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Peruvian Lily
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Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePeruvian Lily
DescriptionShowy lily-like flowers with six petals covered in distinctive speckles, stripes, and blotches. Blooms come in vibrant pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, and white. Unique twisted leaves (resupinate) that flip upside down as they grow. Extremely long-lasting cut flowers (2-3 weeks in vase), making them popular with florists. Easy-care perennial that spreads from tuberous roots.
FamilyAlstroemeriaceae
GenusAlstroemeria
TribeAlstroemerieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, perianth of 6 tepals in two whorls of 3 (outer 3 and inner 3, inner ones often spotted), 6 stamens in two whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Named after Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alströmer. Called Lily of the Incas - native to Andes mountains. About 120 Alstroemeria species. Not a true lily (different family). Popular varieties: 'Indian Summer,' 'Princess Lilies,' 'Inca Ice'
  • Flowers 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across, six petals (actually tepals) in two whorls. Distinctive speckles, stripes, or blotches on inner petals. Colors: pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, white, bicolors. Blooms late spring through summer (May-August). Each stem has 6-15 flowers in clusters
  • Herbaceous perennial with unique resupinate leaves - twist 180° so underside faces up. Leaves narrow, lance-shaped, 2-4 inches long. Grows from fleshy tuberous roots (rhizomes). Dies back in winter, regrows in spring. Spreads to form clumps
  • Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 8-12 inches. Spread 1-2 feet, can expand to 3 feet over time. Lifespan 3-5+ years. Propagated by division of rhizomes (spring or fall) or seeds. Divide every 3-4 years for best blooms
  • Native to South America, particularly Andes mountains of Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina. Found at high elevations in cool mountain valleys. Now cultivated worldwide. Naturalized in parts of US, Australia, New Zealand, Canary Islands
  • Requires full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours sun). Prefers cool roots, warm tops. Needs well-drained soil - hates wet feet. Regular watering during growth. Mulch to keep roots cool. Hardy zones 7-10. Protect from extreme heat and frost
  • Exceptional cut flower - lasts 2-3 weeks in vase, longer than most flowers. Popular in wedding bouquets and arrangements. Excellent border and container plant. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Low maintenance once established
  • Symbolizes friendship, devotion, and wealth in flower language. Each petal represents different virtue: patience, understanding, humor, commitment, respect, empathy. Popular gift flower. Can be invasive in some regions - check local regulations before planting

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAlstroemeria
English (Alternate)Alstroemeria, Lily of the Incas, Parrot Lily, Princess Lily, New Zealand Christmas bell
Hindiकुमुदिनी (Kumudini), पेरुवियन लिली (Peruvian Lily)
Tamilகாந்தள் (Kaanthal), அல்ஸ்ட்ரோமேரியா (Alstroemeria)
Teluguఅలంకార మొక్క (alamkara mokka), చెంగలువ (chengalva), కేసరచెట్టు (kesarchettu)
MalayalamKudimini (കുന്ദിനി), പെറുവിയൻ ലില്ലി (Peruvian Lily), അൽസ്ട്രോമേരിയ പൂവ് (Alstroemeria poovu)
Kannadaಪೇರುವಿಯನ್ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ (Peruvian Lily)
Sanskritलाङ्गलि (Langali), अग्निमुखी (Agnimukhi), कलिहारी (Kalihari)
Bengaliপেরুভিয়ান লিলি (Peruvian Lily), বেড়ানোর সাথী (Beranor Sathi)
FrenchLys des Incas
RussianАльстромерия (Al'stomeriya), Перуанская лилия (Peruanskaya liliya)
SpanishAlstroemeria
GermanInkalilie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.