Snakeskin lily, Yellow lily yam
Amorphophallus glabra
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A tuber plant. The root tuber is flattened and up to 10 cm across. The plant grows 0.5-1 m high. The leaf stalk is grey-green and mottled. It is 60 cm long and smooth. There is a single leaf which can be 60 cm across. It is divided into lobes about 15 cm long. These have long thread like points. The flower stem is 60 cm tall. It is a lily like flower and yellow in the centre. The flower spadix is about 12 cm long. The flowers are on the lower half of this. The spathe around this spadix is 25 cm long and tapers to a point. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit are berries which are 1 cm across and red.
There are about 170-200 Amorphophallus species. The name probably should be galbra after an aboriginal name.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It needs a minimum temperature above 10°C. It is very cold sensitive. It needs loamy soil rich in organic matter. It needs a seasonally dry climate. Brisbane Botanical gardens. Cairns Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
The tubers, leaf stalks and fruit are eaten after baking.
Edible parts
Tubers, corm, leaf stalks, fruit, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump.
Its other names
Local names
Andidjdanku anbadjan, Luwija, Tiyoni