Lily of the Nile

Despite its name, the lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) is neither a lily nor of the Nile — it's from South Africa. The Dutch found them and brought them back to the Netherlands where they quickly became popular in public and private gardens. They now thrive in Mediterranean climates all around the world, such as here in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are so drought tolerant, that they are commonly found flourishing even on California freeways!