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Bulbine semibarbata

(R. Br.) Haw.

Small flower leek lily

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(c) Nathan Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)

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Bulbine semibarbata, commonly known as leek lily, native leek or wild onion, is a species of annual herb native to Australia.

Description

A grass lily. It is an annual herb. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 20-30 cm across. The leaves are up to 30 cm long and 5 mm wide. They are fleshy. The leaves have reddish colour. The flowers are yellow and clustered on the ends of stems.

Edible Uses

The bulb and leaves are eaten, with green leaves traditionally cooked before consumption.

Traditional Uses

The green leaves are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows in temperate places but can grow into subtropical places. It needs well drained soil. It suits dry soils and can grow in full sunlight. It can stand heavy frosts. In Tasmania it grows from sea level to 400 m altitude.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants self seed easily.

Notes

There are 30 Bulbine species. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Synonyms

Anthericum semibarbatum R. Br.Phalangium semibarbatum (R. Br.) KuntzeBulbinopsis semibarbata (R. Br.) Borzi

References (14)

  • Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 152, 189, 194
  • Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 101
  • Curtis, W.M., & Morris, D.I., 1994, The Student's Flora of Tasmania. Part 4B St David's Park Publishing, Tasmania, p 382
  • Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 386
  • Gilfedder, L et al, 2003, The Nature of the Midlands. Midlands Bushweb. PO Box 156 Longford, Tasmania. p 89
Show all 14 references
  • Gott, B & Conran, J., 1991, Victorian Koorie Plants. PO Box 666 Hamilton, Victoria 3300, Australia. p 11
  • Harris, S., Buchanan, A., Connolly, A., 2001, One Hundred Islands: The Flora of the Outer Furneaux. Tas Govt. p 122
  • Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 47
  • Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 40
  • Molyneux, B & Forrester, S., 1997, The Austraflora A-Z of Australian Plants. Reed. p 58
  • Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 37
  • Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 69
  • Whiting, J. et al, 2004, Tasmania's Natural Flora. Tasmania's Natural Flora Editorial Committee PO Box 194, Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia 7315 p 349
  • www.fsd.monash.edu.au/files/bethgottpamphley_po.pdf

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