Common fringe-lily, Fringed violet, Violet lily
Thysanotus tuberosus
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It grows 40 cm high. The plant has a ring of narrow leaves. The leaves are 30-40 cm long and 2-3 mm wide. The leaf bases are a dark maroon colour. There is a ring of tubers under the ground. There can be 12 tubers. They are 2-3 cm long and 8-9 mm wide. They are up to 10 cm deep. The flowers are delicate and lilac-mauve. The 3 petals have fringes along the edge. The flowers are 2.5-3 cm across. They are on a central stem 40 cm high. The fruit is a capsule with 3 compartments that contain small black seeds.
There are about 50 Thysanotus species mostly in Australia. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae and Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in wet grasslands of tropical Queensland.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and flowers are cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Tuber, root, leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from the tubers. They can probably also be grown from the seeds. The seeds are best grown in a greenhouse and transplanted once well established after 1 or 2 years.
Its other names
Local names
Milaan, Tjunguri, Warrat, Yamu