Conanthera bifolia
Family: Tecophilaeaceae
What it is like
Conanthera bifolia is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Not known
Southern S. America - C. and N. Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. A very pleasant taste, they can be boiled or roasted as a vegetable, or cooked in soups.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a very well drained sandy peat and a warm sheltered position. This species is not very hardy and is difficult to keep in British gardens, it requires protection from severe frosts and rain in the winter. A pane of glass supported over the plant is often sufficient. Best results are obtained from growing the plant in a frame. The bulbs can also be lifted in early autumn and stored in a cool dry but frost-free place over winter and then planted out in early spring.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. Sow the seed thinly so that the young plants can grow on undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Give the seedlings an occasional liquid feed during the growing season to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. When the plants become dormant, pot up the small bulbs placing two or three in each pot. Grow on the plants for at least another 2 years in a greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant. Division of offsets.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist