Chocolate Lily (Dichopogon strictus)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Dichopogon strictus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet but can be bitter. — Root - raw or cooked.; It is usually sweet but can be bitter.; Several tubers up to 3.5cm long are produced by each plant, usually up to 15cm below the surface of the soil.; Chocolate scented.

Habitat & North American Range

Open forests and heathlands in sandy soils. Also found in grassland. (Zone 8)