HAEMODORUM spicatum

The Aborigines used the red bulbous root of the plant by roasting and using as a spice, it was also used as a treatment for dysentery.

Clumping plant that grows to around 1 metre with a half metre spread, grass type leaves 60 cm in length.
The interesting dark purplish black flowers occur in terminal clusters at the end of the flower spike. The Bloodroots (Haemodorum) are related to the Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos).

Endemic to the south west of Western Australia.

Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost tender.

Please Note: Although many of the traditional Bush Food and Medicine plants are now commercially produced in various forms we recommend you research these before using them as any form of food or medicines. Some parts of the plant may not be edible or some may need prepared before they are safe to eat or use in any way. We do our best to describe their traditional & modern uses. It is the purchaser responsibility to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C for this species.

Pre-treatment of smoke optional.

This genus is responsive to smoke, although it is not critical for germination of this species it usually beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.

1. Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 21 days in the right condition but may take up to 90 days or longer depending on the conditions.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.