Onion lily, Bush lily, Field Lily
Crinum angustifolium
Family: Amaryllidaceae
What it is like
A lily which keeps growing from year to year. It is 0.3-1 m high. It grows from a bulb. The leaves are narrow and taper to a pointed tip. The leaves are 30-100 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They arise from the bulb at ground level. The flowers are white. There are 6 petals. The flowers are 12-14 cm across. They occur in umbrella like clusters of 6-12 on a stalk 30-50 cm long. The fruit is a capsule which is round and pale green. The seeds usually germinate before they fall.
There are about 130 Crinum species.
Where it is found
It needs warm climates. It grows in tropical places. It grows along creeks in regions that are often flooded. It is very frost sensitive.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The bulb can be eaten but requires extensive squashing then washing to remove possibly poisonous materials.
Edible parts
Bulb, roots
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Seed can be collected while still in the capsule.