Birth flower for April 21
Alstroemeria
Meaning: friendship and devotion
Linnaeus named this flower after his friend Baron Clas Alströmer, who sent its seeds from South America to Sweden. Also called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, it has petals streaked with fine brush-stroke markings. Oddly, each leaf twists 180 degrees at its base so it grows upside down. Cut stems often last two weeks in a vase, making it a florist's favorite.