Forbs

Description.

Two upright, tuber-forming herbs. Up to 12 grass-like leaves are produced at the base of the plant. These are linear and regularly exceed 25 cm in length. Leaves tend to wither prioir to the onset of flowering. Flower spikes occasionally reach 1 m in height, though 20-50 cm is more usual. Large pink or purple (rarely white) flowers are produced along the stem, either singly (Dichopogon strictus) or in clusters of 2-9 (D. fimbriatus). Ambiguous plants, possessing both single and paired flowers, have been observed locally. Flowers usually smell strongly of chocolate. The fruit is spherical and contains many dark, angular seeds.

Propagation.

Germinates well without pre-treatment, though may take several weeks. Also by division.

Flowering.

Dichopogon spp. may flower from August to February, though late spring to early summer is usual.

Locations.

Common in well-preserved grassland and open woodland. Also in lightly grazed pasture. Matong SF, Kockibitoo SF, Currawananna SF, Willans Hill, Mates Gully TSR, Mundarlo Rd, The Rock NR and TSR, Livingstone NP and SCA, etc.

Wiradjuri Name: Dirramaay

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Utility.

Nothing recorded.

Food Uses*.

The tuber of dirramaay  can be dug up and eaten, either raw or roasted. Dirramaay also has strong chocolate scented flowers that can be used in salads and as garnish in contemporary cuisine.

* The critical factor in using plants for food is to avoid accidental poisoning. Eat only those plants you can positively identify and you know are safe to eat. All food details on this website are not based on toxicology reports or scientific knowledge, we make no claim to advice on bush survival in these information bites, only to represent the common perception.

Medicinal Uses.

Nothing recorded.