Burchardia umbellata
| milkmaids | |
|---|---|
| |
| At Anglesea Heath | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Genus: | |
| Species: | B. umbellata
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| Binomial name | |
| Burchardia umbellata | |
Burchardia umbellata (milkmaids) is a perennial herb native to woodlands and heath of eastern and southern Australia, known in all states. It typically flowers from September until November, in dry sclerophyll forests.[2][3]
Size and shape
The narrow leaves of Burchardia umbellata are up to 60 cm long by 1.5 to 4 mm wide. Clusters of white or pale pink flowers with reddish centers sit atop a thin stalk that is 50 to 60 cm high.[4] Each flower measures about 2.5 cm wide.[4] There is a cluster of up to ten carrot-shaped tubers at the base, each about 5 mm thick.[5]
Use as food
Aborigines eat the potato-like tubers.[6] The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are white, fleshy, crisp, and starchy, with a nondescript flavor.[2]
Origin of name
The genus Burchardia is named for German botanist Johann Heinrich Burckhardt. The species name umbellata is Latin for "umbrella", referring to the umbels of flowers.[4]
Cultivation
Burchardia umbellata is rarely available in nurseries, but it can be propagated by seed and kept in containers. It requires moist, well-drained soils and sun or light shade.[4]
References
- ^ "Burchardia umbellata". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- ^ a b Australian Botany Pages. Australian National Botanic Gardens
- ^ Morcombe, Michael (1991). Australia's Wildflowers (Réimpr. ed.). Sydney: The Book Company and Ure Smith Press. p. 30. ISBN 0725408731.
- ^ a b c d Burchardia umbellata. Australian Native Plants Society.
- ^ Low, T. Wild Food Plants of Australia. 1988. ISBN 0-207-16930-6
- ^ Gott, B. Aboriginal Trail. Australian National Botanic Gardens.
