Maori onion
Bulbinella hookeri
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
It grows to 90 cm high and spreads 60 cm wide. It has fleshy roots. The leaves are like straps. The leaves are tall and blue-green. The flowers are bright yellow. They are in the upper third of the flower stalks.
There are 20 Bulbinella species. Most are in South Africa and 6 in New Zealand. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
It grows in the mountain areas in New Zealand. It is best in light, well-mulched, well-drained soils. It can grow in partly shaded positions. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The bulbs are boiled with salt then eaten.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants can be raised from seed. It can also be grown by division of the plant.