Androcymbium gramineum

Family: Colchicaceae

What it is like

A bulb plant. A low plant which forms a corm. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are narrow and taper. They are 5 cm long. They are flat and occur in rings. They form a collar around the flower cluster. These are on a short stem. There are 1-6 flowers in a group. They are pink or white and striped with mauve. The fruit is a 3-valved capsule.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in arid areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Mediterranean, North Africa, Sahara

How it is used for food

The plant is used as a spice of flavouring.

Edible parts

Bulb, corm, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Erythrostictus punctatus Schlecht.; Erythrostictus gramineus Schlecht.; Androcymbium punctatum Baker;