Arthropodium strictum or the Chocolate Lily is a native herbaceous perennial native to woodlands and forests in regions of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland. It produces purple blooms from spring to autumn that smell like chocolate when crushed.
The Chocolate Lily is a popular choice for its low-maintenance and tolerance of the wide-ranging temperatures in Australia. The fragrant flowers are also edible and may be added to salads or used as toppings on cakes, biscuits and tarts.
Arthropodicum strictum is also a synonym of the botanical name Dichopogon strictus.
Growth
Arthropodium strictum is a perennial native flower that grows to a maximum of 1 metre (3 feet). Singular flowers sprout from bracts and contain three crinkled petals with three narrower sepals up to 14mm long. Their purple stamens are hairless and have a yellow base. Chocolate Lily is a long bloomer and can produce flowers from later winter right through to early autumn.
Leaves tend to die off over winter but the bulb underground is still alive and so it’s recommended to mark its location with a small stake.
Plants can be grown from seed or divided to create new plants.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asparagaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 40°C / 32 to 105°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil mix.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 25 cm (5 inches)
pH:
6.1-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
6-12 months depending on climate.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-8 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 400
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ARTHROPODIUM STRICTUM (Chocolate Lily)
Arthropodium strictum grows multiple white tubers underground that can be eaten raw or cooked. These edible tubers usually grow to around 3.5cm in length and sit around 15cm below the surface.
Chocolate Lilies can survive dormant underground which helps protect them from frost and even fire.
