Alstroemeria pelegrina
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Through Species, Flowering plant and Monocotyledon
Description
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.
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Taxonomy
The genus Alstroemeria was originally described by Johan Peter Falk and his thesis supervisor Carl Linnaeus in his 1762 dissertation Planta Alströmeria, with three species, including A. pelegrina. Consequently Linnaeus bears the botanical authority (L.). These species were then incorporated into the second edition of Linnaeus' Species plantarum (1763). As the first species described, it is the type species of the genus.
Distribution and habitat
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.
Ecology
Alstroemeria pelegrina blooms annually between October and December, with fruit appearing after the end of October.
Conservation
Alstroemeria pelegrina is among 9 species endemic to the area classified as vulnerable. They are threatened by tourism and development, with new homes and roads traversing their natural habitat.
Cultivation
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.