Conanthera bifolia

Conanthera bifolia belongs to the Tecophilaeaceae family. The RHS lists its common name as two-leaved conanthera. It comes from Chile, from Valparaíso south to La Araucanía. Kew places it in a subtropical climate. It grows from an underground storage organ. Kew calls it a tuberous geophyte, while Plants For A Future describes a bulb. Its shoots reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall.

Plants For A Future records flowering in April. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied sources give no details of flower colour or shape. They also give no clear account of leaves or fruit. Its modest height makes it a small plant for cultivated beds. Plants For A Future also lists sites beside south-facing and west-facing walls.

Choose a warm, sheltered spot with no shade. The soil should hold some moisture but drain very well. Plants For A Future favours a sandy mix with peat. It also lists both sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The plant accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Drainage matters alongside moisture, since winter rain can threaten its survival. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11, but warns of poor hardiness in Britain.

Severe frost and winter rain call for protection. A raised sheet of glass may give enough shelter. Plants For A Future reports better results in a growing frame. Another option is to lift the bulbs in early autumn. Keep them cool, dry, and free from frost through winter. Plant them out again in early spring. These needs make it harder to maintain in exposed gardens. The source also lists division of offsets as a propagation method.

Plants For A Future suggests spring sowing in a warm greenhouse. It notes that this seed advice lacks species-specific information. Its suggested method keeps young plants under glass for several years. The roots have a recorded food use when cooked. They can be boiled, roasted, or added to soup. Plants For A Future rates their food value at two out of five. It records no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. That hazard entry does not establish safety for pets.