arthropodium milleflorum - chocolate or vanilla lilly

Arthropodium milleflorum is a tuberous perennial herb belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It is commonly known as the Vanilla Lily, due to the slight scent emitted from the flowers.

It favors moist, grassy, sheltered slopes. 

This species grows to 1m tall with spreading/branching stems, blooming between Nov-Feb with delicate six petal white-lilac flowers, purple anthers and white/cream hairy filaments.

Fruits develop Dec-Mar, appearing as globular capsules 5mm in diameter. The dark green strappy leaves reach around 60cm long.

Tubers can be eaten raw or roasted, with flowers also edible.

It makes a great garden/landscaping addition being low-maintenance, frost tolerant and requiring minimal water.

Pleasant scent, insect attraction and dainty panicles give it added distinction. Self-seed to a degree, but not invasive.