African spider lily
Lapeirousia odoratissima

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It grows 20 cm tall. The corm or tuber is 1.5 cm across. It is round but flattened at the bottom. It is covered with white scales. There are only a few leaves and 30 cm long by 3-5 mm wide. The flowers are like creamy white stars. They have a scent.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in deep sand. It can grow in arid places. In Zimbabwe it grows above 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tuber is eaten raw. It is also roasted and eaten.

The tuber is eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Corm, tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Karukuku, Nolokuku, Rhodesian spider-lily

Synonyms

Lapeirousia congesta Rendle; Lapeirousia juttae Dinter; Lapeirousia stenoloba Vaupel;