Tuber bearing lilies

[wameron36]

Hey there,

This evening I tried one of the lilies we had growing in our yard, which I'm unsure of the species but think it may be Caesia setifera. Although I have no way of confirming this, as I cannot find a picture of this species on the net. Although from a book I have it mentions the 'blue-flowered Caesia setifera in the tropics' which is about the most information I could find

Possibly someone may be able to identify it on here if I was to post pictures?

Anyway, the lily was attached to several tubers and small roots. I tried some of the small soft looking roots, which were a bit bitter. I decided to roast the rest of it on the fire to try soften it up a bit, which worked, but the rest of the tubers I tried were very bitter, and not even that easy to take a nibble. Has left a slight bitter taste in my mouth still also.

Just wondering if many of you have had much experience in trying some of the tubers from any of the lilies we have in Aus? And what were they like? Are they all edible?

Cam

[southerncross]

While not wanting to discourage you from exploring and enjoying all the benefits of Native Aussie Cuisine , I just have to give a word of caution.

Aboriginal Australians developed their knowledge of our native plants over many millenia, while many are safe to eat just picked and eaten (if you know what they are) many also require adequate preparation before eating, they may have to be cooked mashed rinsed and cooked again, they may have to be rinsed for several days before safe to eat. they may be safe at one time of the year and give a week of the runs at the other end of the year.

Serious illness and even death can result from eating what people think are safe plant products.


Please don't eat it eat if you are unsure of it being what you think it is, just get online and check it out FIRST.

That aside most Caesia species are safe to eat so far as I can tell (that is I cant find a poisonous one) an easy ID is the flowers have a darker midstripe to the petals, they open for only one day and upon closing the petals twist together and stay that way.

Goodluck and happy hunting.

[wameron36]

Thanks for that information.

I had read that most of the the lily tubers were edible raw, so took that as a fair chances to have a little taste.

I couldn't actually find any more information on the species which I thought it may have been, but did have it noted as edible.

No ill effects had followed so at least that's a good sign.

Thanks again

[Thomas B]

If you posted a photo of the lily in the gallery, we could all have a go at verifying its ID.

[boylesg]

Hey there,

This evening I tried one of the lilies we had growing in our yard, which I'm unsure of the species but think it may be Caesia setifera. Although I have no way of confirming this, as I cannot find a picture of this species on the net. Although from a book I have it mentions the 'blue-flowered Caesia setifera in the tropics' which is about the most information I could find

Possibly someone may be able to identify it on here if I was to post pictures?

Anyway, the lily was attached to several tubers and small roots. I tried some of the small soft looking roots, which were a bit bitter. I decided to roast the rest of it on the fire to try soften it up a bit, which worked, but the rest of the tubers I tried were very bitter, and not even that easy to take a nibble. Has left a slight bitter taste in my mouth still also.

Just wondering if many of you have had much experience in trying some of the tubers from any of the lilies we have in Aus? And what were they like? Are they all edible?

Cam

Try the new tranlucent tubers of Triglochin procera / Water Ribbons as they are quite delicious even raw.

They have the consistancy of water chestnuts but the taste of sweet potato.

The older apaque tubers are very fibrous but still sweet.

[wameron36]

Try the new tranlucent tubers of Triglochin procera / Water Ribbons as they are quite delicious even raw.

They have the consistancy of water chestnuts but the taste of sweet potato.

The older apaque tubers are very fibrous but still sweet.

Thanks for that info, I have heard of them. Will definatley keep an eye out for some.

If you posted a photo of the lily in the gallery, we could all have a go at verifying its ID.

Sure, that would be great. Will try to upload some within the next few days

[wameron36]

Have some photos of what I was looking at. Hopefully someone might be able to ID the plant from these photos. I wasn't quite sure what the key features for identification were, so if any specific additional photos are needed just ask and I can get some.

The weren't any open flowers at this time. When they're next there though I will try to photograph them.






Cheers
Cameron

[Thomas B]

This is a Dianella species, possibly caerulea. The berries of some species are edible,the roasted roots of particular species are also edible. The leaves were used as flax. Hope this helps. There's much less data on the edibility of Dianella roots than for other lillies.

[wameron36]

Is great help, thankyou!
After a bit more reading I have found some information in reference to the berries that says:
"I have sampled many species from eastern Australia, and all appear to be edible apart from a couple of southern forest forms with irritating berries, including the big fruitedD. tasmanica. Any that taste good are safe to eat in small amounts"

May have a sample of one of the berries in that case.

Thanks again
Cheers

[eataust]

I've eaten the Dianella berries - mildly sweet. The seeds add a lovely nutty crunch if you eat them at the same time. I've seen some books say they are NOT edible but I neglected to die or have any side-effects from the handful I ate, so I'll go with the books that say they're food

Vanilla and chocolate lillies have edible tubers - I've got vanilla lillies growing in my trial bushtucker plot, and going extremely well. Haven't tried the roots yet though because I want them to set seed before I rip them out of the ground. All advice says to roast them first.

[wameron36]

Ohh yeah. Does that material specifically say they are not edible, or their edibility just isn't mentioned?
I've picked at a couple and had no problems, let alone from your handful, they seem fine.
You're right about the seeds though, gives it nice crunchy twist

Keep us updated when you try the roots of those

[Bluetongue]

If you use the forum search function (top right), you'll find lots of other input about dianella and its edibility
Personally, I've found them highly variable and wouldn't eat more than a few of the most palatable fruit, for fear of needing a bathroom in a hurry.

[boylesg]

I've eaten the Dianella berries - mildly sweet. The seeds add a lovely nutty crunch if you eat them at the same time. I've seen some books say they are NOT edible but I neglected to die or have any side-effects from the handful I ate, so I'll go with the books that say they're food

Vanilla and chocolate lillies have edible tubers - I've got vanilla lillies growing in my trial bushtucker plot, and going extremely well. Haven't tried the roots yet though because I want them to set seed before I rip them out of the ground. All advice says to roast them first.

I found dianella berries not particularly appetising - sweet but 'planty'.

[Bluetongue]

I have just deleted several posts. If there are any problems, please contact Rimbaud or myself directly.

Thanks
BT

[dippi]

I have eaten the fruit of dianella revoluta since a child. My nan told me to avoid the other ones. She made baskets and string from the leaves. Always make sure it's not growing next to something poisonous or been pissed on. Chocolate and vanilla lilies are yummy baked or roasted (rub black skin off), can be eaten raw when it's been wet for a bit.