Golden star
Hypoxis marginata
Family: Hypoxidaceae
What it is like
A lily-like plant. The corm is about 0.8 cm long by 0.6 cm wide. They occur 1-4.5 cm below the soil surface. The roots are fleshy and slender. The leaves are 2.5-4 cm long by 0.15-0.25 cm wide. They are flat or have a channel. They are dark green. The flowers are 1.5 cm across and bright yellow. They occur singly on the stems. The stems have a few hairs. The stems are 4-15 cm long. The fruit are capsules 1.2-1.5 cm long. The seed are brown.
There are about 100-150 Hypoxis species. There are 5-10 species in tropical America.
Where it is found
It grows in seasonally flooded areas in NE Queensland in Australia. They grow close to the coast. It suits tropical and subtropical regions.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The roots are boiled and eaten.
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Djalpinyngu, Gumburr