Twining fringe-lily
Thysanotus patersonii
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A small lily which keeps growing from year to year. A creeping or twining plant. It drapes over other plants. It grows to 10-20 cm high. It has one or two slender stems. It has tubers which occur in a cluster at the base of the plant. It has leafless branches. Each branch produces a single flower. It has an attractive violet flowers. There are 3 petals broad petals alternating with 3 narrow petals. The broad petals have a delicate fringe. Each flower only lasts one day. After flowering the plants die back to the roots.
There are about 50 Thysanotus species mostly in Australia. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in all Australian states. It grows in heathland and grassland. In Tasmania it grows in dry sandy forest from sea level to 1000 m altitude. It does best in light to medium, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought but sensitive to frost. Tasmanian Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The tubers are eaten raw or roasted.
Edible parts
Tubers, root, stems, flowers
How it is grown
Plants regrow from dormant root tubers each year. Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Tjungoori