Dichopogon strictus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dichopogon strictus |
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The chocolate lily (scientific name: Dichopogon strictus) is a beautiful plant from Australia. It's also known by its older name, Arthropodium strictum. This plant is a type of perennial herb, which means it grows back year after year.
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What is the Chocolate Lily?
The chocolate lily has long, thin leaves. These leaves can grow up to 65 centimeters (about 25 inches) long. The plant also grows a tall flower stalk, which can reach up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) high.
Flowers and Scent
The flowers of the chocolate lily are usually pale purple to dark purple. They hang down in a pretty cluster. These flowers bloom between August and January in Australia.
The most special thing about this plant is its smell! The flowers give off a scent that reminds people of chocolate, caramel, or vanilla. This is why it's called the chocolate lily.
Edible Tubers
Underground, the chocolate lily has juicy tubers. These are like small, edible roots. Indigenous Australians used to eat these tubers. They have a slightly bitter taste.
How the Chocolate Lily Got Its Name
The chocolate lily has had a couple of different scientific names over time.
Early Discovery
In 1810, a Scottish botanist named Robert Brown first described the plant. He found it in Tasmania and named it Arthropodium strictum.
Name Change
Later, in 1876, an English botanist named John Gilbert Baker moved the plant to a different group, or genus, called Dichopogon. So, its new name became Dichopogon strictus. Today, both names are still used by different plant experts in Australia.
Growing Chocolate Lilies
If you want to grow chocolate lilies, they like sunny spots. They also need soil that drains water well, so their roots don't get too wet.
Watering and Growth
During dry times, the plant might look like it's dying. But it's just resting! It will grow back when the autumn rains arrive. If the soil stays moist, the flowers will keep blooming for longer in the summer.
Where to Plant Them
Chocolate lilies look great planted together under trees. You can also grow them in pots or containers.
