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The Lily of the Nile, the Agapanthus, could be the title of a novel or even the main hero. And from one point it would be worth it.
And it would be worth it because this excellent rhizomatous plant gathers on it all those elements that attract and fascinate the writers – elements which, of course, the whole editorial team of "Kalligergia" certainly knows, but is not available to reveal in this short introduction.
However, until the release of such a novel, the whole editorial team of ‘Kalliergeia‘ proposes to book lover another literary genre, the poetry, and specifically the poem by George Seferis (Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963) Stratis Thalassinos Among the Agapanthi.
To the plant lover the whole editorial team of ‘Kalliergeia‘ proposes – with great sympathy for his misfortune – the following article.
The inflorescences of African Lily are particularly impressive.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Agapanthus
Scientific Name: Agapanthus praecox Willd.
Common Names: African Lily, Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus, Blue Lily, Agapant (Afr.), Isicakathi (Xhosa), Ubani (Zulu)
Leaf Persistence
Evergreen
Form
Rhizomatous Herbaceous
Texture
Medium
Growth Rate
Slow to Moderate
Flowering Period (Northern Hemisphere)
June – August
Fruiting Period
Summer – Autumn
Height
0.6-1.2 m (2-4 ft)
Diameter
0.5-0.6 m (1.7-2 ft)
Leaves Shape
Simple, Linear
Foliage Colour
Green
Autumn Foliage Colour
Green
Flowers Shape
Tubular
Flowers Colour
Blue, Bluish-Purple
Fruit
Capsule
Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, clayey with excellent drainage, acidic to slightly alkaline
Soil pH: 6-7.5
Watering: Liitle
Exposure: Sun, Half-Shade
Hardiness: -1 °C (30 °F – USDA Hardiness zone 9b)
Traffic islands, roadside banks, herbaceous borders, mass plantings, coastal areas, against soil erosion, houseplant
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The name of the genus Agapanthus is the Neo-Latin synecdoche of two Ancient Greek words, the word αγάπη (love) and the word άνθος (flower). The etymology and the original meaning of the first one – i.e. Agapanthus meaning – may have seemingly little to do with the article, but that is why there is ‘Kalliergeia’ to do the unrelated related – and vice versa.
Within this highly enlightening framework of principles (?) it could be said that the Hellenistic word αγάπη comes from the pre-Homeric αγαπώ which consists of the word ἄγα(ν) means very and the root πᾶ which means protect.
So, the original meaning of the word αγάπη was not love but I keep safe. and therefore the word Agapanthus means I keep safe the flower.
The word praecox on the other hand is Latin and means uncountable. However, since it also comes from the Latin praecoquo, which is complex and consists of prae- (Indo-European root *préh₂i, ie before) and coquō (Indo-European root *pékʷeti, meaning become ripe), it could easily be concluded that here it has the meaning of early and / or premature.
And indeed, the African Lily has the earliest flowering of all the Agapanthus species, so it could ultimately be said that Agapanthus praecox is the one who protects the hurry to start blossoming.
In this way it becomes apparent that both words aptly convey a prominent feature of this species of Agapanthus, thus marking another epic victory of the botanists over the names of the plants.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The place of origin of the species is located to two main regions of South Africa, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.
The main difference between the two areas is climatic and is related to the distribution of rainfall, since the Western Cape is characterized by its rainy winters, ie the highest percentage of rainfall occurs at that time of year, unlike the Eastern Cape, where rainfall is not limited to the winter season but is distributed throughout the year.
Within its natural limits of distribution, Agapanthus proves to be a plant very durable and adaptable to various soil environments, it is found at an altitude that starts from sea level and reaches up to 2000 m, while it grows in those areas where the annual rainfall is higher. from 500 mm.
The Agapanthus praecox is botanically divided into three subspecies:
The first one originates from the southeast of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, the second from the Eastern Cape and from the south of the KwaZulu-Natal region, and the third from the Eastern Cape.
The Agapanthus praecox is an extremely long-lived rhizome species, as it can live for more than 7 decades – regardless of retirement age.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The Lily of the Nile is an evergreen herbaceous perennial, with strong and fleshy, rhizomatous roots. It has an upright appearance, a hemispherical shape, it is of medium texture and could be characterized as an architectural plant thanks to the particular form and arrangement of its leaves.
It is noteworthy that, during flowering, the height of the plant almost doubles, reaching up to about 1.20 m (4 ft). Its spherical shaped inflorescences, viewed from far away, resemble colored swinging balls.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The root system of African Lily consists of the thick tuberous section as well as of the finest roots.
Their color is common – white – but their role is different: the tuberous part, which is actually an underground stem, acts as a storage of nutrients, while the finest roots take up from soil minerals and water.
The leaves of Lily of the Nile come out directly from the root of the plant, alternately, forming a rosette. They range from 6 to 20, are elongated-lanceolate and relatively thick and leathery, with entire margins.
They are hairless and their top section curves slightly downwards giving the leaves an arched shape. Their color is green or slightly bluish green, with a length of between 20 and 70 cm (7.8-28 in) and a width of between 3 and 5 cm (1.2-2 in).
The African Lily blossoming on a long flowering stem, 0.6 to 1.2 m (2-4 ft) long, which grows from the base of the leaf rosette. It is cylindrical, hollow and naked – without leaves.
At the top is formed an umbelliferous inflorescence consisting of 30 to 100, tubular shape and blue color, flowers. The connection of the flowers with the flower stem is achieved with the pedicle, which is remarkably long – its length is between 8 and 12 cm (3.1-4.7 in).
The flowers of Agapanthus are hermaphrodite, radiant symmetry and consist of 6 large tepals. The tepals are carried 3 inward and 3 outward, their length being between 4 and 4.5 cm (1.6-1.8 in) while their width is between 0.5 and 1.1 cm (0.2-0.4 in).
Tepals are slightly fleshy and coalesces to the base of the flower, forming a short tube.
Pollination occurs with insects (entomophilous species).
Lily of the Nile fruit is a three-sided elongated capsule, the length of which is between 4.5 and 5 cm (1.8-2 in). Initially its color is green to gradually become greyish-brown and gray. When matured, it ruptures along, releasing from 20 to 100 – determined for all – seeds.
These – determined for all – seeds, are flattened, have a winged back part for easier spreading with the wind, they are black and their length is between 5 and 6 mm (0.2-0.23 in).
In plants derived from seed, flowering – and hence seed production – is observed after the 3rd to 4th year. However, in plants that have been reproduced wildly, the flowers appear even in the same year.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
A suitable climate for its development is that of the tropical and subtropical regions – however in the subtropical regions it grows only where the temperature does not fall below 0 to -1 °C (32-30.2 °F).
Of course, fully established plants can withstand somewhat lower temperatures for a short time.
On the other hand, its resistance to heat and high temperatures is extremely huge since it does not face any problems up to 40 °C (104 °F).
In relation to the soil, Lily of the Nile grows in almost all the soil types except those which are permanently waterlogged.
However, it thrives in deep, moderate fertility and medium textured soils that contain an abundant organic substance, while in terms of pH, those with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline reaction, with values ranging between 6.5 and 7.5.
The choice of planting location depends heavily on temperatures. In areas where the upper temperature limit is rarely 38 to 40 °C (100.4-104 °F), planting is recommended in locations that receive direct sunlight.
On the contrary, in areas where the temperature often exceeds 40 °C it is better to plant in half-shady places.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
Fertilization is mainly carried out using fertilizer containing the main nutrients N-P2O5-K2O in a 1: 1: 1.5 ratio.
The application of the fertilizer begins after the first ten days of March and continues on a monthly basis until the end of August through mid-September.
Also the addition of organic matter on an annual basis particularly favors the growth of the plant.
In terms of irrigation, Lily of the Nile reacts positively to summer watering – one to two per week. Watering is done if the soil has dried to a depth of 6 to 8 cm (2.3-3.1 in).
In spring and autumn, watering, both in quantity and frequency, is less, while the ideal condition is the minimum or total absence of rain in the winter.
Perhaps the most important cultivation work, although not done on an annual basis, is the division of the plant. It is recommended to divide every 3 to 6 years to renewal and continue its rich flowering.
With the division of Agapanthus, the control of its spread is still achieved, while at the same time it is one of the most basic methods of vegetative propagation of the plant.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
In general, the Agapanthus praecox does not face serious problems from enemies and diseases. But especially it faces.
As for the pests, sometimes the plant can be affected by spider mites, thrips and mealybugs. With the use of appropriate formulations, all these parasites are effectively treated.
Special mention must also be made of snails. Although they do not cause serious damage to the plant itself, their presence in large numbers reduces the aesthetic value of Agapanthus, and also through it may attack adjacent plants.
Managing them either by hand or – why not? – with ducks, which being the most ecologically acceptable, but most of the times not very practical, way. If, however, their snails number is large, special snailcide formulations are necessarily used.
Diseases of botrytis and powdery mildew have been reported, while the fungus Macrophoma agapanthii as well as the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus can also infect the plant, although less frequently.
Fungal infections are treated with the timely use of appropriate preparations, as opposed to the virus which can not be managed.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The rhizome, leaves, and sap of the plant are toxic of low severity to humans and pets. Taking them can cause severe mouth ulcers and a burning sensation, as well as skin rashes.
Being an entomophilous plant, it does not cause allergic reactions.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
Despite the great contribution of Agapanthus as ornamental plant of interiors, gardens and landscapes, in some countries, in areas where it has been fully adapted, it behaves like an invader.
In nature, the propagation of African Lily is mostly vegetative and less so with the seeds. Creating clusters, regarded as a weed which displaces local flora in a variety of soil environments – though rarely growing on farmland.
Agapanthus praecox has been described as invasive in Argentina, Australia, the Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands as well as in New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The control of Agapanthus in these areas includes both mechanical and chemical means. In relation to the second ones, the development of resistance to herbicide applications has been observed, when the main active ingredient of which is Glyphosate.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox)
The Agapanthus praecox also belongs to that numerous category of plants that have not only ornamental but also great therapeutic and ethnobotanical value.
For the ethnobotanical use of Agapanthus – which is of great interest, as it is attributed to it magic properties – we promise, again with the well-known (in)consistency that distinguishes us, a special tribute.
The pharmaceutical properties of the plant are being investigated, but already some work shows that the ingredients of Agapanthus increase the muscular tone of the uterus. Agapanthus praecox contains saponins and aglycones that have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and immunoregulatory action.
The Agapanthus in general is an easy growing plant and extremely ornamental.
Once established, it is tolerant to drought, urban environmental pollution and aerosol salt, while is moderately tolerant to the presence of salt in the soil.
Furthermore, although it is an invasive plant, but at the same time it seems in nature that there is nothing bad without something good, is recognized to the invader the stabilization and containment of soil that is at risk of erosion and its positive role in the "restraint" of fires – since it is difficult to ignite.
Therefore, among other things, Lily of the Nile can be utilized:
The References to the article entitled Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox) – an article that started literary but will close musically – are presented by the archaic Greek rock ensemble with the inventive name Agapanthus, which will perform their composition Αχ βρε Θανάση (Ah vre Thanasi), espesially for the patient reader of this – not exactly short – article.
Agapanthus praecox: National Parks Board, Singapore
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