Small flower leek lily
Bulbine semibarbata

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A grass lily. It is an annual herb. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 20-30 cm across. The leaves are up to 30 cm long and 5 mm wide. They are fleshy. The leaves have reddish colour. The flowers are yellow and clustered on the ends of stems.

There are 30 Bulbine species. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate places but can grow into subtropical places. It needs well drained soil. It suits dry soils and can grow in full sunlight. It can stand heavy frosts. In Tasmania it grows from sea level to 400 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The green leaves are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Bulb, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants self seed easily.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Anthericum semibarbatum R. Br.; Phalangium semibarbatum (R. Br.) Kuntze; Bulbinopsis semibarbata (R. Br.) Borzi;