Scrambling lily facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scrambling lily
Flowers, 26 Dec 2011
Fruit, Feb 2011 at Paruna Reserve, Como, Sydney, NSW, by John Tann
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Eustrephus timorensis Ridl. Geitonoplesium asperum A.Cunn. ex R.Br. Geitonoplesium montanum (R.Br.) Kunth Geitonoplesium montanum (R. Br.) Hook. Luzuriaga cymosa R.Br. Luzuriaga laxiflora Hallier f. Luzuriaga montana R.Br. Luzuriaga timorensis (Ridl.) Hallier f. Medeola angustifolia Delile nom. illeg.

Geitonoplesium is a genus of a sole species Geitonoplesium cymosum, the scrambling lily. It is a member of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. They grow naturally as scrambling vines in rainforests, drier forests and woodlands, of eastern Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

The leaves are variable, usually narrow-lanceolate to linear, usually 2–10 cm (0.8–3.9 in) long and 3–25 mm (0.1–1.0 in) wide. Both surfaces of leaves are glossy, with the midvein prominent and raised on upper surface. The flowers are mauve to white. The globose berries are 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) in diameter and contain numerous black seeds. The high degree of variation in the shape of the leaves has resulted in the establishment of numerous infraspecific taxa over the years, none of which is recognised by most present-day systematists.

Uses

The shoots are harvested and eaten like asparagus and have a pleasant beany-like flavor. Uncommon in cultivation.

See also

In Spanish: Geitonoplesium para niños