Blood roots
Haemodorum paniculatum
Family: Haemodoraceae
What it is like
A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It forms a bulb. Plants grow 0.8-2 m tall. There are 2-4 leaves per growth. The leaves are 15-25 cm tall and 0.2-0.35 cm wide. The leaves are flat and dark green. Plants flower after fire. The flowers are 0.9-1.1 cm long. The flowers are brownish-black. They are on long slender flowering stalks. They occur in groups of 2-4. The flowers never open. Flowers are pollinated by native bees.
There are about 20 Haemodorum species. They are mostly in Australia.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate places. They grow in woodland and open forest in Western Australia. They can be on sandy and clay soils. It can tolerate light frosts. It needs well-drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The bulbs are eaten raw or roasted. They have a mild onion flavour.
Edible parts
Bulbs
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or division.
Its other names
Local names
Bohn, Born, Mardja