Warning

Seek medical attention for all ingestions.

Description

Agapanthus flowers are deep blue fading to purple, sometimes white, bell-shaped and clustered together in a large mass at the top of a long erect stem to 1m arising from the clusters of leaves.

Agapanthus leaves are strap-like, 30-70cm long and up to 1.5cm wide, glossy green to dark green and somewhat fleshy.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Symptoms may include nausea vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea if ingested, with severe ulceration of the mouth from the clear sticky sap. Skin contact with the sap may cause a burning sensation, skin irritation and rashes.

Images

Agapanthus flower closeup
Photo by Mary Louden
Agapanthus flower
Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Agapanthus

Botanical name: Agapanthus species (most common species A. africanus, A. praecox subsp. orientalis, Agapanthus hybrid cultivars)

Other common names: African lily, blue African lily, blue lily

Family: Alliaceae

General description: An ornamental clumping perennial to 50cm, popular as a garden or pot plant.

Flowers: The flowers are deep blue fading to purple, sometimes white, bell-shaped and clustered together in a large mass at the top of a long erect stem to 1m arising from the clusters of leaves.

Leaves: The leaves are strap-like, 30-70cm long and up to 1.5cm wide, glossy green to dark green and somewhat fleshy.

Fruit/Berries: –

Other: All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the rhizome or root, leaves and sap.