The Difference Between a Blue Lotus & Blue Lily

Identification

• The Blue Lily or African Blue Lily is a species of Agapanthus that is native to South Africa; two subspecies, "africanus" and "walshii," are specifically known as "blue lily." According to Richard Jamieson of the Kirstenbosch Centre for Home Gardening in South Africa, this plant is often confused with Agapanthus praecox, an easier-to-grow relative that often has blue flowers. The Blue Lotus or Egyptian Blue Lotus is a member of the water-lily family. Its scientific name is Nymphaea caerulea. Southern Illinois University's Christopher Rutledge cautions that it should not be confused with either A. africanus or with N. lotus, a white water-lily.

Agapanthus Characteristics

• Agapanthus grows in sandy soil and is propagated from seed. It forms a tall, straight flower stem and a clump of strap-like leaves. The flowers resemble the bells of the hyacinth and form a round ball in subspecies "africanus," or a drooping umbrella in subspecies "walshii," on the top of the stem. Both subspecies of A. africanus grow naturally in very restricted areas and are difficult to cultivate outside of their range.

Nymphaea Characteristics

• Nymphaea grows in water and is propagated from a rhizome. It forms a tall, straight petiole to support the flower, and each plant produces several large, waxy, floating leaves. The leaves are relatively large and may grow to the size of a dinner plate. The flowers are the classic lotus type, with numerous petals arranged in concentric rings around bright yellow stamens. These surround a central ovary that is shaped like an inverted cone.

Uses

• Agapanthus are primarily used in landscaping and the florist trade, although A. africanus, being difficult to grow, is rare. Jamieson reports that most blue agapanthus used by florists are A. praecox. Nymphaea are also used in landscaping, but the Blue Lotus has a panoply of other historical uses. It was used in Egyptian funeral rites and in the Egyptian pharmacopeia as well as in landscaping and decorating. Lotus rhizomes and seeds are edible, and the dried flowers are said to have aphrodisiac or psychogenic effects when smoked or eaten.