Thysanotus tuberosus aka Common Fringed Lily

Thysanotus tuberosus is an Australian perennial called the common fringed lily. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Its native range covers east-central and southeastern Australia. Records include Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Kew classes it as a tuberous geophyte, with underground tuberous roots. It grows in warm temperate and tropical regions. Kew also records its climate as subtropical.

The plant has no leafy above-ground stem. Narrow leaves grow from a cluster of thickened roots. These linear leaves give the plant a grass-like look. They reach about 0.7–2 feet [0.2–0.6 metres] in length. Useful Tropical Plants lists its height as 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. The long leaves and low form define its overall shape. The supplied sources give no mature spread. They show flowers but provide no details of flower colour or season. They also give no description of its fruit.

In the wild, it grows in heath and grassland. Some records place it on sandy soils in mountain areas. It also occurs in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland. Across these habitats, it grows on a range of soils. Garden guidance is more specific about soil and light. It calls for fertile sandy loam that drains well. Choose a sunny site rather than treating it as a shade plant. The sources give no watering schedule or soil pH range.

This species can be hard to keep in cultivation. Its warm-climate range does not mean it tolerates no frost. Reports note survival during brief, occasional drops to about 19°F [−7°C]. That limit does not establish tolerance of long periods of cold. Growers can raise it from seed or use division. Seeds need no treatment before sowing. Sow them thinly in sandy compost in a nursery bed. Grow seedlings through their first season before potting them separately. Plant them out once they are large enough.

People sometimes gather the roots from wild plants for food. They can eat them raw or cook them. The roots are crisp and moist, with little taste. Useful Tropical Plants gives their food value two out of five. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It records no medicinal or other uses. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.