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Wurmbea dioica ssp. dioica

Early Nancy

Perennial herb with corms and fibrous roots. Male and female flowers on separate plants.

Additional information

  • SynonymAnguillaria dioica
  • FamilyColchicaceae (syn. Liliaceae)
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size5-20 cm x 10 cm
  • Plant groupingLilies & Irises
  • Leaves3 fine grass-like leaves 2-7 cm x 0.5-2 mm, stem-sheathing.
  • Flower colourWhite with a purple band
  • Flowering timeJuly to October
  • FlowersFlower spike of 2-7 stalkless honey-scented flowers with a purple nectar-secreting gland towards the base of sepals and petals, red or purple anthers on male flowers.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in open forest and woodland. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden usePlant amongst low herbs in rockeries or under trees. Plants die down after flowering.
  • Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Aboriginal Use Food - corms
Photographer/s: 1 Gordon Carter ©; 2 David Francis, NatureShare ©; 3 Chris Lindorff, NatureShare ©; 4 Marilyn Bull ©

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