AGAPANTHUS UMBELLATUS.
Cape Province, Natal, Orange Free State, Basutoland, and Transvaal.
Liliaceae. Tribe Allioideae.
Agapanthus, L’Herit; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant. vol. iii. p. 798.
Agapanthus umbellatus, L’Herit. Sert. Angl. 17; Fl. Cap. vi. 402.
This well-known garden plant, commonly called the “Agapanthus” or “Blue Lily,” was introduced into cultivation in England from the Cape as far back as 1692, and was figured by Commelin of Amsterdam in 1697.
In South Africa the plant is characteristic of the vegetation found on high mountain ranges. It usually occurs on well-drained slopes.