Arthropodium strictum syn. Dichopogon strictus known as the Chocolate Lily is from Australia. It is found in grassland and open forest. It has grass-like leaves and blue to violet flowers and smells of chocolate or vanilla. This species has a brief dormancy late summer, early autumn and needs moisture during its long growing period. Plants should be grown in light shade or morning sun and afternoon shade.
I collected seed in Queensland, in dry sandy, woodland soil near the Burnett river, over 25 years ago, and of all the seeds I collected then, this plant is the one that has lasted all this time. It has been in a shallow 'alpine' pan on the windowsill of a north-facing conservatory for years and regularly flowers. I must say I have never been able to smell the reputed chocolate scent, but it is a lovely, delicate little flower (each only about 1cm across) on 10cm to 20cm. wiry glaucous stems. Very easy and trouble free.
