Common Name: Alstroemeria

General Information

Alstroemeria ligtu is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of upright stems around 60cm tall from an underground, tuberous rootstock. The roots spread, forming in time quite a large clump of growth[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible roots, which are used locally and also sometimes sold in local markets[]. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, where it is especially valued for its flowers. The lily-like flowers have a sweet fragrance of mignonette[]. They are one of the longest-lasting of cut flowers for the home and so are commonly grown for this purpose[].

Known Hazards

The fresh sap of this plant can cause skin rashes in some people. The plant contains up to 2% of the compound tuliposide A, which probably hydrolizes on the skin to form the allergenic lactone tulipalin A. People who are allergic to the sap of tulips are very likely to also be sensitive to the sap of this plant[, ].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Chile

Habitat

Dry scrub in rocky sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropics to high elevations in the tropics. It is found at elevations around 3,000 metres at 10° south in Chile. Plants can tolerate short-lived frosts with temperatures down to perhaps -5°c[]. Plants grow in areas with no distinct dry season, and also in areas where the dry season can be 3 - 5 months long[].
Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[]. Established plants are drought tolerant according to one report[], whilst another says that the soil should not be allowed to dry out in the growing season[]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[].
Plants can be rather invasive in the garden, spreading by means of underground fleshy roots to form large patches[]. We have found no reports of the plant becoming a weed, however[].
The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep when dormant in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather.
Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[], the roots are fleshy and brittle[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[]. The roots are a source of a palatable starch[, , ]. It is very nutritious and is given to children and invalids[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe although seedlings can be transplanted successfully if they are moved with care whilst small. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hrs in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°c and then reduce the temperature to 10°c. Excising a small bit of the seed near the embryo after the seed has been warm stratified helps to speed up the germination process[]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[].
Division in mid spring or early autumn with care since the plant resents root disturbance[]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[].