Fauna
Plant

Alstroemeria pelegrina

Alstroemeria pelegrina

Also known as Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, Inca Lily

Peruvian lilies cling to exposed rocky cliffs and scrublands along central Chile's coast, where cool maritime mists support their summer blooms. Their striking violet-pink flowers feature flaring tepals decorated with rich purple flecks that guide native pollinating bees to nectar stores. Uniquely, their leaves undergo resupination as they grow, twisting 180 degrees at the base to face upside down.

EndemicFloweringPerennial
Alstroemeria pelegrina reference1 / 7
(c) Mar del Sur, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Snails and slugs
  • Grazing livestock
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsCoastal development, habitat degradation, invasive weeds
HabitatsCoastal cliffs, rocky slopes, scrublands
Life spanPerennial (10+ years via rhizomes)
Classification
  1. OrderLiliales
  2. FamilyAlstroemeriaceae
  3. GenusAlstroemeria
  4. SpeciesAlstroemeria pelegrina
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep plants away from curious pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains tulipalin compounds that cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Features large orchid-like pink-violet blooms with dark streaks and twisted leaves on upright stems.
What to do
Wear gloves when cutting stems for flower arrangements and keep domestic pets away.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for flowers along rocky Pacific sea cliffs between spring and early summer.
  • Gardening: Provide well-drained soil and protection from hard frosts in temperate gardens.
Related species
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