Arthropodium

Taxobox
name = "Arthropodium"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Laxmanniaceae
genus = "Arthropodium"
genus_authority = R. Br.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.

"Arthropodium" is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to the Southern Hemisphere. It is sometimes placed in the family Asphodelaceae.

The rhizomes of some species can be eaten as root vegetables, including "A. cirratum", "A. milleflorum", "A. minus", and "A. strictum".

"A. cirratum" is native to New Zealand, where it may once have been farmed. It is used for medicine as well as food, and has symbolic importance in traditional Māori culture.

Selected species:
* "Arthropodium cirratum" (rengarenga, renga lily, New Zealand rock lily, or maikaika)
* "Arthropodium milleflorum" (pale vanilla lily)
* "Arthropodium minus" (small vanilla lily)
* "Arthropodium strictum" (chocolate lily)

External links

* [http://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/arthropodium.htm Significance of "A. cirratum" in Maori culture]
* [http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Arthropodium+milleflorum&CAN=COMIND Plants for a Future database on "A. milleflorum"]
* [http://www.ausbulbs.org/bulbgal/details.php?image_id=1142&sessionid=f29def4cd34201605bfbaaaf5333d419 Photograph of underground parts of "A. milleflorum"]