Many, Many Names

   Sometimes it amuses me how many names one plant can have.  I understand that a lot are regional names given by the locals but it must be awfully confusing to folks who are dead set that one name is only allowed for any plant and that name is the one they know.  Personally, I am good with whatever you call your plants.  No problems.  Still, it amuses me.  

  For instance, for years now I have been growing a odd little plant that my aunt gave to me.  Parrot Lily is what I had always been told was the name.  Ok, so good!  I knew a name and that was purely satisfactory.  Who needs anything more?  Well, there is more (as always).  It appears that my Parrot Lily is a Peruvian Lily which is also a Princess Lily or to some a Lily of the Incas.  In reality, it is an Alstroemeria.  With that big name it is no wonder folks found easier things to call the plant.

  All of this name finding came about simply because as I was cutting grass this morning, I noticed that the lilies had formed seed pods.  To me, seed pods of a plant can be just as interesting as the blooms.  The pods remind me of a stained glass window (without the multicolors).   As I was cutting, I made a mental note to collect the seed pods for a future planting.  While the lilies grow really well under the shade of the orange trees, it would be fun to have them in other parts of the gardens, as well.  Parrots have to fly, you know!