Grass potato, Ngambiri
Curculigo ensifolia
Family: Hypoxidaceae
What it is like
A grass-like herb. It has long fattened tubers or corms. The plant can re-grow from these. It grows 20-50 cm high. There is a creeping rhizome. The leaves are 20-50 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are erect. They are dark green with prominent veins. The flowers are in short spikes. These have few flowers but many papery bracts. The flowers are 1.5 cm across. They are yellow and hairy. They have a long slender perianth tube. The fruit is a capsule about 0.5 cm long. It is enclosed in a bract.
There are 10 Curculigo species. There are 2-5 species in South America.
Where it is found
It suits subtropical and warm temperate climates. It grows in moist areas and rainforests. It grows in litter on rocky slopes. It needs a well drained soil and protected location.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The long fleshy tubers are dug up and roasted in coals then peeled and eaten.
Edible parts
Rhizome, root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed or by dividing the rhizome.
Its other names
Local names
Anburda, Andjay, Anmulbirrik, Brahmin ginseng, Lunduru