Dichopogon
fimbriatus: is commonly known as the Nodding Chocolate Lily. The
species was previously known as Arthropodium fimbriatum. In spring and
summer, as we walk down to collect our mail, we are greeted by the strong
smell of chocolate. At this time of the year The Nodding Chocolate Lily, a
perennial herb, is in full flower. Each plant produces a flower spike carrying
about a dozen large blue six-petalled flowers. Individual flowers have a
strong chocolate scent and when a number of plants are growing close together,
as happens near our front gate, the scent is amplified.
This is a widespread species and occurs in Queensland,
Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia as well as NSW. The Nodding
Chocolate Lily propagates readily from seed. Although not well known in
cultivation, the species has a future as an interesting addition to rockeries
or native cottage gardens. Previously included in the Liliaceae family but has
been transferred to the Antheriaceae family.