lily of the Nile
lily of the Nile, (Agapanthus africanus), perennial herbaceous plant of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), native to Africa. Lily of the Nile is a common ornamental in warm climates, grown for its large spherical flower clusters. The flowers are funnel-shaped and typically blue, purple, or white in colour; the clusters are borne on long stalks. The attractive, thick, dark green leaves are sword-shaped. If grown in a climate with frost, they must be kept in containers and moved indoors to survive the cold weather.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title:
lily of the Nile
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
10 February 2023
Access Date:
November 13, 2026