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Milkmaids
~ Burchardia congesta ~
COLCHICACEAE
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The honey-scented Burchardia has been seen dallying with Western Australian local Pollanisus cupreus, a stunning metallic-looking day moth that visits the Milkmaids for a dose of nectar and a cheeky roll in the pollen. Humans tend to vilify moths as there are a handful of naughty caterpillars that can be very destructive; in reality, however, the destructive ones are generally introduced species. Our native moths are extremely beneficial for the wild and for our gardens. Not only are they a food source for birds and wildlife, they’re also important pollinators for our flowering plants. Here we have the Moth and the Milkmaid. There are only about six known species of Burchardias with Burchardia congesta being almost identical to its Eastern relative B. umbellata, which can be a great garden alternative for those on the east side. Both species have edible properties.
WHERE TO LOOK
You’ll only see these Noongar residents between Northampton and Cape Naturaliste in the south-west corner of Western Australia, with a few patches here and there further south near Albany. It likes dry woodland, scrub-heath and forests.
Locations → WA: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Bold Park, Porteous Park, Wireless Hill Park, Meelup Regional Park, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Albany.
FEATURES
The Milkmaids plant features an erect and branchless stem that can grow up to 80cm high. The single stalk forms a spray of several bright-white flowers with milk-droplet-shaped petals. The anthers (which hold the pollen) are bright yellow, differing from their genus friend B. multiflora with its purple anthers. Underground, they grow a number of carrot-shaped tubers each about 5mm thick.
FLOWERING SEASON
Winter and spring → This perennial herb is dormant in the summer, and flowers in late winter to early spring. The root tubers are replaced every year.
TRADITIONAL USES
The Noongar People of south-west Western Australia eat the starchy tubers raw or by roasting them.
PLANTING
The species is not often commercially available but, if you find either Burchardia congesta or B. umbellata, they can be used as a source of food. These plants will suit containers and pots and require moist, well-drained soils in sun or light shade.
