About Arthropodium strictum R.Br.
Arthropodium strictum R.Br. produces up to 12 leaves, which are linear or lanceolate in shape, reaching up to 65 cm in length and 1–12 mm in width. It bears a racemose inflorescence that can grow up to 1 metre high, which appears between August and January within the species' native range. Individual drooping flowers range in colour from pale mauve to dark purple. Its common name chocolate lily refers to the flower scent, which resembles chocolate, caramel, or vanilla. The species' juicy, slightly bitter-tasting tubers are eaten by Indigenous Australians.
For cultivation, these plants prefer a well-drained growing site with partial to full sun exposure. During drought conditions, plants may shrivel back to the tuber and resprout when autumn rains arrive. If steady moisture levels are maintained in the soil, the plant's summer flowering period will be extended. This species is suitable for group plantings under trees, and can also be grown in containers.
