Peruvian-lily (Alstroemeria aurea, Edinburgh New Philos. J. 1833: 181 (1833))

Family: Alstroemeriaceae

Author: Graham

Bibliography: Edinburgh New Philos. J. 1833: 181 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alstroemeria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & SC. Chile to S. Argentina

Description

The Peruvian-lily, scientifically known as Alstroemeria aurea, is a captivating flowering plant that decorates gardens and natural landscapes with its vibrant blossoms and elegant foliage. Native to South America, specifically from central and southern regions of Chile extending to southern Argentina, this plant thrives in these regions’ unique climatic conditions.

Belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family, the Peruvian-lily showcases the magnificent diversity and beauty inherent to this botanical group. Its flowers come in vibrant hues—ranging from striking yellows and oranges to subtler, pastel shades—each bloom a testament to nature’s artistry. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve a crucial role in local ecosystems, often attracting various pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

The growth habit of Alstroemeria aurea is equally interesting. These plants typically emerge from tuberous rhizomes, which allow them to withstand varying climatic conditions and contribute to their perennial nature. Each stem bears multiple lance-shaped leaves, which are arranged in a unique twisted fashion—a characteristic prominently associated with this genus.

Historical documentation of the Peruvian-lily can be traced back to 1833, as recorded in the Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal by a botanist named Graham. Since then, the plant has not only captured the interests of botanists and horticulturists but has also become a favorite among gardeners worldwide. Its resilience, coupled with its striking floral display, makes it an excellent choice for cultivation in temperate gardens where it adds an exotic touch.

The Peruvian-lily is more than just a decorative flower; it embodies a rich botanical heritage and an ecological significance within its native habitats. For those keen on adding a touch of South American flora to their garden, Alstroemeria aurea offers both aesthetic beauty and a connection to the natural environments of Chile and Argentina.

Common Names

Spa: liuto
Eng: peruvian lily, peruvian-lily, yellow alstroemeria
Deu: goldene inkalilie
Swe: guldalströmeria
Fra: lis de incas
Cym: lili periw, lilïau periw
En: Peruvian-lily, Yellow alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily, Golden Lily-of-the-Incas
Af: Peru lelie
Cs: Alstroemerie zlatá
Da: Gul inkalilje
Fi: Kultainkalilja
Fr: Lis de Incas, Lys des Incas
De: Goldene Inkalilie
Qu: Quri liwtu
Es: Liuto
Sv: Guldalströmeria
Cy: Lili Periw, Lilïau Periw

Synonyms

• Alstroemeria mutabilis (Kunze ex Kunth)
• Alstroemeria chiloensis (Phil.)
• Alstroemeria aurantiaca (D.Don)
• Alstroemeria araucana (Phil.)
• Alstroemeria nivali (Meyen)
• Alstroemeria peruviana (Van Houtte)
• Alstroemeria concolor (Steud.)
• Alstroemeria xanthina (Phil.)

Distribution

• Argentina South (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 1, 2021 by Reglisse31 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Catherine DUPUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2017 by Clément Vaidis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2018 by euceco (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by ju lou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2021 by gaez cristian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2021 by K Desvignes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Bourchy Bourchy Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 20, 2021 by Fernández Lorena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2021 by Becchio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2020 by Buhrer Federico (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by gilberte prigent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Reynold Chollet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Reynold Chollet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2021 by moreno quintana connie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by coltiviamo carrello (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2753786)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:62457-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alstroemeria aurea Graham)

Specifications

Growth