Wurmbea dioica subsp. dioica

Family:

Colchicaceae

Early Nancy

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Widespread. Noted in most areas of region.

Habitat & Site Selection:

Forest and woodland. Prefers open position in moist well-drained soil and full sun.

Habit:

Small, tufted, perennial lily 5-30 cm high. Long narrow leaves and honey-scented whitish flowers are Aug-Sep, for about 3 weeks. Dies down to tubers over summer and re-shoots in autumn.

Seed Collection:

Early Nov to early Dec. Mature seeds shed within 3-14 days.

Propagation:

From fresh seed sown autumn. Germinates in 3-5 weeks.

VALUES:

First Nations:

Starchy corms were eaten.

Ornamental:

Attractive ornamental for rockeries and containers. Plant in groups for best effect. Generally takes 3 years to flower. May be difficult to grow outside preferred conditions. Encourage growth by applying small amounts of native plant fertiliser.