Arthropodium sp. B

Family Anthericaceae

Vanilla Lily

Long-lived perennial herb to 50 cm high, leaves long, narrow and usually glaucous, with tubers 2-3 cm long. Dies down during dry weather.

Flowers: White to pale pink from October – May. Repeat flowering during this period after rain. Flowers within 12 months from seed.

Fruit: Capsule to 5 mm diameter with three segments containing 5 seeds per segment  (15 seeds per fruit).

Seeds: Angular, black, 1.8 x 1.5 mm in size, released during October – May. No special dispersal mechanism, local dispersal by gravity. Seeds non-dormant, germinate readily under a variety of conditions.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Habitat open forest on hillsides, slopes and creekbanks in semi shaded positions.
• Common in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Foliage eaten by rabbits.
• Easy to cultivate from seed and responds well to water and fertiliser.
• Resprouts after fire.