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© Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Wurmbea dioica is a small perennial herb growing from an underground corm, reaching 5-25 cm (2-10 in) tall. Each plant produces three narrow, channelled leaves that sheath the lower stem, the lowest much longer than the two above. The stem bears a short spike of 2-12 star-shaped flowers, each 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) across, with six white to pinkish segments marked by a dark purple to maroon band across the middle that holds the nectar glands. As the species name suggests, it is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, though some populations carry bisexual flowers. Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring, opening early in the season, after which the plant dies back to its corm for a long summer dormancy. It grows in seasonally moist grassland, woodland, and granite outcrops across much of Australia. Like other members of the family Colchicaceae, the corm and foliage contain colchicine-type alkaloids that are poisonous to people and livestock if eaten. Its small size and brief spring display suit it to native grassland restoration rather than prominent garden positions.
Native Range
Native across much of Australia, including all mainland states and Tasmania, in seasonally damp grassland, open woodland, and around granite outcrops.Suggested Uses
Grown in native grassland and wildflower restoration and in pots within specialist collections of Australian geophytes. Its early flowering and summer dormancy suit seasonal displays rather than year-round bedding.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 10"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pink with a dark purple-maroon bandFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight