Patersonia glabrata

R. Br.

Native Flag, Leafy Purple Flag

Iridaceae Edible: Rhizome, Root 1,493 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Patersonia glabrata, commonly known as leafy purple-flag, or bugulbi in the Cadigal language, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a perennial herb or subshrub with linear leaves and pale violet flowers.

Description

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It forms tufts. It grows 30-80 cm high and spreads 10-30 cm wide. The stems are 40 cm long by 0.5 cm wide and are woody. They have few branches. The leaves are 10-40 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are flat and spread widely. They are blue-green and have hairs along the edge near the base. The flower stalk is 10-30 cm long. The bract is 4-6 cm long. They are dark brown and spreads 4 cm apart. The flowers are 4-6 cm across and pale blue. The fruit is a capsule 2-4 cm long and like a cylinder. The seeds are brown.

Edible Uses

The rhizome and roots are eaten.

Traditional Uses

The rhizome is eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows in coastal districts. It grows in sandy soils and loams in forests. It suits subtropical and warm temperate regions. It needs well drained acid soil. It can tolerate some frost.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.

Notes

There are 20 Patersonia species. Most grow in Australia.

References (6)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 766
Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 756
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 196
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 77
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 181

Show all 6 references