Burchardia umbellata, known as milkmaids, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to woodlands and heath of eastern and southern Australia. It is known in all states. It typically flowers from September until November, in dry sclerophyll forests.[2][3]
| Burchardia umbellata | |
|---|---|
| At Anglesea Heath | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Burchardia |
| Species: | B. umbellata |
| Binomial name | |
| Burchardia umbellata R.Br.[1] | |
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]
Aboriginals 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]
The genus Burchardia is named for German botanist Johann Heinrich Burckhardt. The Latin species name umbellata means "umbrella" or "parasol", referring to the shape of the umbels of flowers.[4]
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]
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