Autumn babiana, Dwarf babiana
Babiana hypogaea

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 12-20 cm high. It can form clumps. The corms are 2-3 cm across. The neck is 6-20 cm long. There are 4-7 leaves. They are erect. They are 7-20 cm long by 3-10 mm wide. The flower spike has 2-8 flowers congested on it. It comes from below the ground. The flowers are blue. They have a sweet spicy smell.

There are about 60-80 Babiana species. Most are in South Africa.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sandy soil amongst grass in hot dry country. It grows in the Kalahari. It grows between 90-2,100 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The bulbs or corms are eaten raw and used in vegetable dishes. They can be crushed and made into a meal or porridge. The peel is removed. They can be dried and cooked later.

Edible parts

Bulb, corm, root, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ertappel uintjie, Hwenya, Lichus, Muruwenya, Otjitore, Perde-uintjie, Tshuge

Synonyms

Antholyza hypogea (Burch.) Klatt Babiana bainesii Baker; Babiana bakeri Schinz; Babiana schlechteri Baker;