As you explore São Miguel, you’ll find that vibrant flowers bloom everywhere. While the iconic hydrangeas are the most famous, another stunning flower adds a splash of purple-blue to the landscape: the African lily (). Also known as the Lily of the Nile, this plant’s name can be a bit misleading since it actually originates from South Africa, not Egypt.
Despite not being native to the Azores, these lilies thrive in the island’s unique environment. The mild, moist climate and rich, volcanic soil provide the perfect conditions for them to flourish. You’ll often see them growing in large, dense clusters along roadsides and in gardens, with their tall stalks reaching heights of one to two meters. These clusters create a magnificent visual display, adding to the lush, Eden-like beauty of the island.
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Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.
