Small Vanilla-lily
Arthropodium minus
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A perennial plant which grows 30 cm high. It can grow as an annual. It spreads 10-20 cm across. It forms tufts. Plants produce 4-5 tubers. These can be 3 cm long. The leaves are small and 5 mm wide. They are usually lax and on the ground. The flowers are 1 cm across. They usually occur singly but can be in groups of 2 or 3. The flowers droop. The flower stem is usually less than 30 cm tall and often 10 cm tall. It is deep purple. The fruit is a black capsule with several seeds.
There are 12 Arthropodium species. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows from sea level to alpine places. It grows in well-drained sandy soils. It needs a sheltered sunny position. It occurs in grassland and grassy woodlands. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The root/corm is eaten, cooked.
Edible parts
Tuber, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed can be transplanted. Plants can also be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Parm, Pike, Puewan