Alstroemeria ligtu L.

A perennial plant. It grows 60 cm high and spreading to 1 m across. The leaves are 8 cm long. Flowers are purple and pink. They usually have a yellow throat and darker spots. The flowers are 2 or 3 in heads in clusters of up to 8.

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows naturally in dry scrub in rocky sandy soils in Chile. It requires a moist well drained soil and a warm situation. They can grow in seaside gardens. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

The root is cooked and eaten. It is especially fed to children. It can be processed to flour.

Plant roots 15-20 cm deep when dormant. Plants can be grown from seed. Stored seed need to be treated by soaking in warm water for 12 hours before planting. Plants do not transplant easily.