Agapanthus africanus (African lily) is a native of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. It has a short stem bearing a tuft of long, narrow, arching leaves 10–35 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, and a central flower stalk 25–60 cm tall, ending in an umbel of 20-30 white, or bright blue, funnel-shaped flowers, each flower 2.5–5 cm diameter.

It was introduced to Europe at the close of the 17th century as a handsome greenhouse plant. The plants are easy to cultivate and (in areas that have winter) are generally grown in large pots or tubs that can be protected from frost. During the summer they require plenty of water and are very effective on the margins of lakes or by running streams, where they thrive. They may be propagated from seeds or by dividing the rootstock in early spring or autumn.