Haemodorum spicatum

R. Br.

Born, Blood roots

Haemodoraceae Edible: Bulbs - spice 209 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Haemodorum spicatum is a plant in the Haemodoraceae family native to south Western Australia.

Description

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It forms a bulb. Plants grow to 2 m tall. There are 3-4 leaves. These are 20-30 cm long by 0.1-0.2 cm wide. They are cylindrical and dark green. Plants flower after fire. The flower are on long slender flowering stalks. These are branched and 30-80 cm long. The flowers are 0.5 cm long and grey-brown. The flowers never open. Flowers are pollinated by native bees.

Edible Uses

The bulbs are eaten raw or roasted and have a mild onion flavour. They are used as a spice and add colour to food.

Traditional Uses

The bulbs are eaten raw or roasted. They have a mild onion flavour. They add colour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The bulbs are traditionally used for food purposes.

Distribution

It grows in Western Australia in a Mediterranean climate. It needs a well drained soil. It can tolerate light frosts. It can grow on poor sandysoils.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or bulbils.

Notes

There are about 20 Haemodorum species. They are mostly in Australia.

Also Known As

Meen, Bohn, Mardja

References (5)

Bonney, N., 2012, Edible Wild Native Plants for Southern Australia. p 110
Daw, B., Walley, T. & Keighery, G., 2001, Bush Tucker. Plants of the South-West. Department of Conservation and Land Management. Western Australia. p 22
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 118
Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 67
RIRDC, 2010, New Root Vegetables fo the Native Food Industry, Australian Government RIRDC Publication 9/161