One of the reasons I chose the title of Lily of the Nile for my debut novel about Cleopatra’s Daughter is because the Egyptian Lotus is actually a water lily. There are many myths about it, such as that it blossoms only at night–much like Selene, who is named after the moon and only allowed to show her true colors in darkness.

However, a true Lily of the Nile is the agapanthus, a bluish purple flower with yellow-tipped stamens. Though it isn’t a lily, it is native to South Africa. They grow on the banks of rivers and streams; they require plenty of water. They’re also summer flowers.

I’m thinking about planting some in my back yard!