Bulbine Lily

The Bulbine genus is indigenous to Australia and Southern Africa. The genus belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, though it was previously included in the Liliaceae family. The Australian species are not well-known to Australian gardeners, though it is difficult to see why the pretty Bulbine Lily, widely distributed throughout the eastern half of the country is not as popular as the exotic bulbs such as daffodils.
Bulbine bulbosa, commonly known as Bulbine Lily, Native Leek or Wild Onion, is native to Victoria, NSW, Queensland, SA and Tasmania and was once a common wildflower of the western and basalt plains, red gum woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests.
The Bulbine Lily is a perennial plant that grows as a tuft of succulent, hollow, onion-like leaves. Leafless flower spikes grow to around 60cm tall and the bright yellow, starry flowers open from the bottom to the top of the spike. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, but may occur at other times of the year if conditions suit.
Bulbine Lilies are not fussy about soil type and will tolerate heavy clay soil. They will also cope with heavy, wet winter soil. The plants are frost resistant. They will become dormant if conditions become too dry and re-shoot when moisture becomes available. A position in semi-shade is most suitable.
The plants grow from a corm with fleshy roots and clumps can be divided, but they are also easily propagated from seed and will happily self seed in the garden if conditions suit them.
Bulbine bulbosa was a food plant of the aborigines who harvested and ate the bulbs.
There are other Australian members of the genus. These include the annual species Bulbine pendula (see a picture) , B. alata and B. semibarbata (see a picture) . Taller species include B. vagans which has clumps of shiny leaves and B. glauca which has grey foliage. All bear yellow flowers.