African lily - Agapanthus africanus

Description and Uses

Agapanthus africanus (African lily) is a tropical plant from Southern Africa. It is mainly grown for its ornamental crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 1 - 3 years. After 7 years the plant can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Agapanthus africanus has a lifespan of 8 years.

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Environmental limitations

The plant is 1 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than shade tolerant. Agapanthus africanus has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The plant`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by .

Agapanthus africanus thrives in an altitude of 600 to 2500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 2°C and optimally between 15 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 1250 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 500 - 1500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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