| Milkmaids | |
|---|---|
| Burchardia umbellata at Anglesea Heath | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Burchardia |
| Species: | B.umbellata |
| Binomial name | |
| Burchardia umbellata R.Br.[1] |
|
Burchardia umbellata (Milkmaids) is a perennial herb native to woodlands and heath of southern Australia. It typically flowers in September, in dry sclerophyll forests.[2]
Contents |
The narrow leaves of this plant are up to 60 cm long, by 1.5-4 mm wide. White or pale pink flowers sit atop a thin stalk that is 50-60 cm high.[3] There is a cluster of up to ten carrot-shaped tubers at the base, each about 5 mm thick.[4] Each flower has a reddish center, and the flowers occur in groups of 2-10 flowers. A flower measures about 25 mm wide.[3]
Aborigines eat the potato-like tubers.[5] The tuberous roots can be eaten raw or cooked; they are white, fleshy, and have a nondescript flavor. The tubers are crisp and starchy.[2]
The genus "Burchardia" is named for German botanist Johann Heinrich Burckhardt. The term "umbellata" is Latin for umbrella, referring to the flowers occurring in umbels (an umbrella-like arrangement with flower stems all arising from a common point).[3]
These plants are rarely available in nurseries. But, they are suitable for containers, and can also be grown from seed. The soil must be moist but well drained, and the location must be sunny or lightly shaded.[3]