Triteleia peduncularis
Lindl.
Longray tripletlily
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) randomtruth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) randomtruth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jeff Bisbee, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jeff Bisbee
Summary
Source: WikipediaTriteleia peduncularis is a monocot flowering plant in the genus Triteleia. Its common names include long-ray brodiaea and longray triteleia. It is endemic to California, where it occurs in the coastal and inland mountain ranges of the northern and central sections of the state. It grows in vernally moist habitat such as meadows, grassland, and vernal pools, often in areas with serpentine soils. It is a perennial wildflower growing from a corm. There are two or three basal leaves measuring up to 40 cm (16 in) long and 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide. The inflorescence arises on a smooth, erect stem up to 80 cm (31 in) tall. It is an umbel-like cluster of several flowers which are borne on very long, straight pedicels measuring up to 18 cm (7.1 in) long. Each funnel-shaped flower is white, often tinged purple, with six tepals up to 1.6 cm (0.6 in) in length. There are six stamens with white anthers, and the ovary at the center is yellow when the flower is young.
Description
A compact bulbous perennial reaching 0.3 m in height and 0.1 m in width. Hardy to UK zone 6 and appropriate USDA zones. Flowers June to July. Hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; grows in light sandy or medium loamy conditions across mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. Suitable for both dry and moist soil.
Edible Uses
The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked. Its high starch content makes it a useful potato substitute.
Traditional Uses
The bulbs are eaten as food.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
Requires a rich well-drained sandy loam. Likes plenty of moisture whilst in growth followed by a warm dry period in late summer and autumn.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, or alternatively in spring. Germination typically occurs within 1–3 months at 15°C. Sow thinly to avoid the need for pricking out, and grow seedlings on in the pot for their first year. Give occasional liquid feeds to prevent mineral deficiency. Seedlings are prone to damping off, so avoid overwatering and maintain good ventilation. Once dormant, pot up the small bulbs, placing around 3 per pot, and grow on in a greenhouse for another year or two until bulbs reach about 20mm in diameter. Plant out into permanent positions when dormant in autumn. For division, dig up clumps of flowering-size bulbs in autumn, replanting larger ones directly into permanent positions. Pot up smaller bulbs and grow on in a greenhouse for a year before planting out when dormant in early autumn.
Other Uses
None known
Notes
Also put in the family Alliaceae.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
- Edward's Bot. Reg. 20: sub t. 1685. 1834
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 569
