Illmu
Conanthera bifolia

Family: Tecophilaeaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 40 cm high. The flowers hang along a stalk. They are purple with a dark yellow centre.

There are 5 Conanthera species in tropical America.

Where it is found

In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m altitude. It can grow in drier areas with a winter rainfall of 400-800 mm. It also grows in humid areas with constant rain. It can tolerate some shade. It suits hardiness zone 8. It can tolerate slight frosts and occasional snow.

Countries/locations it is found in

Chile (country/location of origin), Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The bulbs are boiled or roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Root, bulbs

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Pajarito del campo, Flor de la viuda

Synonyms

Conanthera passeriflora Ravenna; Cummingia andica Raf.; Sisyrinchium illmu Molina;