English

African lily (Agapanthus umbellatus), illustration from William Curtis (editor), Curtis's Botanical Magazine

Noun

African lily ‎(plural African lilies)

1. Any of certain flowering plants of the genus Agapanthus, especially Agapanthus umbellatus.
   • 1828, Thomas Ignatius M. Forster, Circle of the Seasons, and Perpetual Key to the Calendar and Almanack, page 204,

     African Lily Agapanthus umbellatus full fl.

     The African Lily is a beautiful blue umbelled liliaceous flower, having long contorted roots, and blowing in July.

   • 2003, Beth Moore, A Woman and Her God, page 215,

     As Gene and I began to really look at our backyard, we discovered tall, magnificent lilac-colored African lilies, and, to my surprise, our yard displayed its own vibrant orange, white, and blue birds of paradise.

   • 2010, Avionne Anthony, The Witness, page 146,

     But not just ordinary roses or tulips, she had majestic African lilies and exotic oriental orchids.

Hypernyms

• (some in Agapanthus): agapanthus

Coordinate terms

• (some in Agapanthus): lily of the Nile