Bulbine bulbosa aka Golden Lily

Bulbine bulbosa, or golden lily, is in the Asphodelaceae family. It is native to eastern South Australia and eastern Australia. It also grows in Tasmania, across a wide climate range. It grows in grassland, woodland, and saltbush plains. Sites include flats, sandy ground, and cracks in rock. Some sites are swamps; others reach toward the subalpine zone. Older sources call this species Bulbinopsis bulbosa.

This plant lives for years and grows from a tuberous rootstock below ground. Its grass-like leaves form rosettes, or rings, not woody branches. Plants reach about 1.5–1.6 feet [0.45–0.5 metres] tall. One source lists a spread of 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Its form varies across the places where it grows. Some authors think it may be several species with close ties. Gardeners grow it for its looks. People also gather its tuber for food.

A British source says it flowers from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. The flower stems can bend flat or break with ease. A site with shelter can help keep stems from harm. The supplied species accounts give no flower colour or fruit details. The RHS lists flower traits for the whole genus. Those traits do not refer to this species alone.

Grow golden lily in sun, with shelter and soil that drains well. It grows well in sandy loam and copes with poor soil. Light sandy soils and medium loams also suit it. The soil may be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It prefers moist soil but does not suit shade. Reports from Australia note brief cold spells down to about −7°C. The soil must drain well in such cold spells. Plants may not withstand this cold in wetter British winters. Milder parts of Britain suit outdoor growth best. Mulch helps protect plants when winter lows fall well below freezing. Plants cope well with moves. You can grow more by dividing them in spring.

The cooked tuber gives starch and can taste pleasant. Reports say tubers taste better when plants grow in moist sites. Each plant forms one tuber, up to roughly 0.1 feet [0.03 metres] wide. This food use does not prove it safe for all animals. Sheep and cattle can get severe diarrhoea from eating the plant. The supplied accounts list no known uses as medicine.