Chocolate lily (Arthropodium strictum) 5 seeds

Common name: Arthropodium strictum (= Dichopogon s.), Chocolate lily

Native to south-eastern New Guinea and south-eastern Australia, this lily-like herbaceous perennial plant has a varied appearance, with needle-like leaves and upright fragrant flowers that are dark pink or purple in colour. It produces star-shaped flowers 2-3cm long in loose clusters in early to mid summer. Its roots will be 2-3cm wide. It will grow to a maximum height of 30-45cm.
It prefers well-drained sandy, peaty soil, warm and sheltered sunny growing conditions. Very easy to grow. It has a characteristic strong chocolate smell on hot summer days! It can be kept in large pots or in containers on the patio or in the garden.
For best growth, fertilize and water frequently.
For winter, pick up the rhizomes and overwinter in a cool place.


ARTHROPODIUM

A small genus of the family Laxmanniaceae, with about 12 species native to Australia and New Zealand, composed of evergreen and deciduous fleshy-stemmed perennials. They are clump-forming, with straight thin to long strap-like leaves. Flowers are white or purple, with 6 petals, fringed with yellow and purple stamens. Inflorescences are racemose.