Small vanilla lily facts for kids

The small vanilla lily, also known as Arthropodium minus, is a special type of plant. It's a herbaceous perennial plant, which means it has soft stems (not woody like a tree) and lives for more than two years. This plant is originally from the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia.

People have valued the small vanilla lily as bush tucker. This means its roots are edible and can be eaten raw. They were an important food source for Indigenous Australians.

Where Does the Small Vanilla Lily Grow?

This plant can be found in many different places across eastern Australia. It grows from the coast all the way up to cold, high mountain areas. You can spot it in Eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and even sub-alpine meadows. It prefers drier spots compared to its cousin, the pale vanilla lily.

What Does the Small Vanilla Lily Look Like?

The small vanilla lily has leaves that look like grass. If you smell them, you'll notice a strong scent of vanilla! The plant usually grows to be about 35 centimeters (about 14 inches) tall.

Flowers and Fruit

Its beautiful flowers appear between September and December. They can be purple or pink. After the flowers, the plant grows fruit. These fruits become ripe in January and February. Each fruit usually holds about 16 seeds.

How Does It Grow and Survive?

This plant is quite tough! If there's a long dry period (a drought), its leaves might fall off. This is called being deciduous. But don't worry, it's not dead! When the rain returns, it will grow new leaves.

Surviving Fire

The small vanilla lily can also survive bushfires. After a fire, the plant will grow new shoots from its roots. This helps it come back to life in areas that experience fires.

Can You Grow It in a Garden?

Yes, the small vanilla lily is a popular plant for gardens. It's quite easy to grow from its seeds. Many people like it because of its pretty flowers and interesting vanilla-scented leaves.