Alstroemeria versicolor
| Alstroemeria versicolor | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Alstroemeria versicolor
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[1]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[2].
Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance[3]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[4].
Cultivation: Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[2]. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam[5]. This species prefers a dry period in the summer and autumn.
A rather tender plant, it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in Britain other than in the mildest areas of the country[5]. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[6].
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[5], the roots are fleshy and brittle[2].
Range: S. America - Chile.
Habitat: Stony places and scrub at an altitude of 250 - 1700 metres from Valparaiso to Conception and in the Valle de los Cipreses[6].
Edibility: Root - cooked[7]. A source of starch, it is very nutritious[8][9][10][11].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis[12].
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan, 1987.
- ↑ Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.