Agapanthus orientalis: African blue lily

Family

Liliaceae

Common Name

African blue lily, agapanthus, lily of the Nile.

Plant Description

Native to southern Africa, the agapanthus lily is a vigorous perennial in mild climates, and has gained popularity as a potted houseplant in cold climates. Long, arching, strap-shaped leaves are produced from short rhizomes with fleshy roots.

Flowers are produced in umbels on tall stems and come in various shades of blue, and occasionally white. Numerous cultivars of this lily are available commercially (Fig. 25 and Fig. 26).

Figure 25. Agapanthus africanus.

Figure 26. Agapanthus flower.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

No specific toxin has been isolated from the agapanthus lily although it is reported to contain saponins and sapogenins [1].

Agapanthus species have been used in phytomedicine in some parts of Africa to cause abortion and as an aphrodisiac [1].

Aqueous extracts from the plant have been shown to have pharmacologic effects upon the uterus causing contractions, possibly due to the production of prostaglandins [2].

Risk Assessment

There are no known cases of agapanthus poisoning in animals. However, the plant is increasingly more common in households with pets, and therefore warrants recognition as a potentially toxic plant.