Alstroemeria pelegrina

The plant stems reach 20 to 60 cm in height, glabrous (smooth) in the upper part and scaly in the lower. The rhizomes are cylindrical, branched and elongated with roots that are long and thin. From the upper third of the stem arise leaves that are a vivid green in colour and arranged spirally and twisted so that their tips are on the side. The flowers are large and showy, the tepals being 4.5–5.5 cm in length, being an intense pink color with a purple centre. The stamens have purplish anthers. The ovary is glabrous, with 6 prominent ribs. The seeds are brow and spherical.

Alstroemeria pelegrina is endemic to the Norte Chico and central regions of Chile, but it is also found in Peru. It is found between Los Vilos (Choapa Province, Coquimbo Region) and Punta Curaumilla (Valparaíso Province, Valparaíso Region) to the south, a Mediterranean littoral climate. A large population is found in the coastal region between Los Molles (Valparaíso) and Pichidangui, near Los Vilos, where it has the local name mariposa de Los Molles (Los Molles butterfly). The preferred habitat is in rocks and coastal cliffs at the level of high tide.

Alstroemeria pelegrina blooms annually between October and December, with fruit appearing after the end of October.

Alstroemeria pelegrina was the first species of Alstroemeria to be taken to Europe and cultivated there (1744). Hardy to USDA zones 10a–11. In the United States it is grown in California, Louisiana, Texas and Florida.