Family: Liliaceae
Common Namr: New Zealand Rock Lily

This genus of about 10 species of tufted, herbaceous plants is native to Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. They have fibrous, fleshy roots, grass-like leaves and sprays of white or purplish flowers during summer.

Species

A. candidum, from New Zealand, has narrow, linear leaves, 15 cm (6 in) long, and white flowers. It grows to about 35 cm (14 in).

A. cirrhatum, rengarenga or New Zealand rock lily, zone 9, is the species commonly grown. It is larger and stouter than A. candidum and is especially suitable for rock gardens. It has fleshy leaves of 60 cm (24 in) long, and branched sprays of white flowers, about 30 cm (12 in) long, in late spring or early summer. It grows to about 1 m (3 ft).

Cultivation

Arthropodium likes a warm, temperate Climate and does best in a sandy loam in a protected position. Propagate by division, or by seed or suckers in spring.

Climate

Zones 8 and 9.