533B-2-Burchardia-umbellata-fl-David-Blair.jpg

Burchardia umbellata

Milkmaids

Perennial herb with a corm and tuberous roots. Plant dies down after flowering.

Additional information

  • FamilyColchicaceae (syn. Liliaceae)
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size10-65 cm high
  • Plant groupingLilies & Irises
  • Leaves1-2 narrow, fleshy channelled basal leaves 10-30 cm x 3-6 mm. Leaf-like bracts on flowering stem.
  • Flower colourWhite, often pink on outside
  • Flowering timeSeptember to December
  • FlowersTerminal cluster of 2-9 honey-scented flowers to 30 mm wide. Anthers pink or purple. Erect triangular seed capsules remain on plant after seed shed.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in heathland and open forests. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useAttractive little plant for drifts amongst trees with a light canopy, in rockeries or in containers.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Aboriginal Use Food - tubers, raw or roasted
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 David Blair ©;

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 31 Candlebark Grassy Forest (EVC 128)
  • 33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
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