Peruvian lily, Inca lily
Alstroemeria aurea

Family: Alstroemeriaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It has tuberous roots. It grows 1 m high and 1 m across. The leaves are twisted, narrow and lance shaped. Flowers are yellow-orange. They are in groups of 2-4. The fruit is a capsule with several seeds.

There are about 50-80 Alstroemeria species. They occur in South America especially in cool mountain regions.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in moist woodland in Chile. It requires a moist well drained soil. In Argentina it grows between 200-1,900 m above sea level. It can tolerate frosts especially once well established. It can grow in some shade. It suits hardiness zone 8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The root is eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by careful division of the rootstock. Seeds need cold treatment.

Its other names

Local names

Amancay, Lirio de campo, Liuto amarillo, Rayan cachu

Synonyms

Alstroemeria aurantiaca (D.Don.);