Burchardia umbellata
| milkmaids | |
|---|---|
 |
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| At Anglesea Heath | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Burchardia |
| Species: | B. umbellata |
| Binomial name | |
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Burchardia umbellata R.Br. |
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Burchardia umbellata (milkmaids) is a perennial herb native to woodlands and heath of eastern and southern Australia, known in all states. It typically flowers from September until November, in dry sclerophyll forests.
The narrow leaves of Burchardia umbellata are up to 60 cm long by 1.5 to 4 mm wide. Clusters of white or pale pink flowers with reddish centers sit atop a thin stalk that is 50 to 60 cm high. Each flower measures about 2.5 cm wide. There is a cluster of up to ten carrot-shaped tubers at the base, each about 5 mm thick.
Aborigines eat the potato-like tubers. The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are white, fleshy, crisp, and starchy, with a nondescript flavor.
The genus Burchardia is named for German botanist Johann Heinrich Burckhardt. The species name umbellata is Latin for "umbrella", referring to the umbels of flowers.
Burchardia umbellata is rarely available in nurseries, but it can be propagated by seed and kept in containers. It requires moist, well-drained soils and sun or light shade.
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Wikipedia