Closeup of the flowers.

Closeup of the flowers.

Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a South American genus of about 50 species of flowering plants. Almost all of the species are restricted to one of two distinct centers of diversity, one in central Chile, the other in eastern Brazil. Species of Alstroemeria from Chile are winter-growing plants while those of Brazil are summer-growing. All are long-lived perennials except A. (Taltalia) graminea, a diminutive annual from the Atacama Desert of Chile.

In Manila, the common variety of Alstroemeria are purple but yesterday when I went to the flower market I saw the red-orangy variety. They sell for slightly more but it is always nice to have the uncommon variety. I made small arrangements and the two bundles, bought for P30 each, went a long way.

I cut the stems proportionate to the glass containers to make small table arrangements.

I cut the stems proportionate to the glass containers to make small table arrangements.

The flower, which resembles a miniature lily, is very popular for bouquets and flower arrangements in the commercial cut flower trade. They have a vase life of about two weeks.

In another set of small glass vases, I made arrangements as offering to the Buddha.

In another set of small glass vases, I made arrangements as offering to the Buddha.

Having fresh flowers at home is not a luxury as some people would like to think. To me, they are part and partial of my lifestyle. People’s lives would be richer if only they can spend a little on them. If one spends for food to fill the stomach, in the same manner, one should spend a little to fill the eyes. For less than a pack of cigarettes, I was able to buy two bundles of these lilies that will be my source of joy and pleasure for several days.