Bichetii grass, Siam lily
Chlorophytum laxum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A grass-like plant. It forms a ground cover. It grows 10 cm tall. The roots have tuberous swellings. These are 2-4 cm long by 1 mm wide. The leaves are 10-25 cm long by 0.8 cm wide. The flower stalks are 10-20 cm long with 2 flowers are the nodes.

There are between 100-150-215 Chlorophytum species. They are mostly in the tropics. Also put in the family Anthericaceae and Liliaceae. It is used as medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It often occurs on the top of hills.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, India, Middle East, Oman

How it is used for food

The tubers are cooked and eaten.

Famine food

Edible parts

Leaves, tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nelatengu

Synonyms

Anthericum bichetii Backer; Anthericum parviflorum (Wight) Benth.; Chlorophytum abyssinicum Kotschy & Peyr.; Chlorophytum acaule Baker; Chlorophytum bichetii Backer; Chlorophytum debile Baker; Chlorophytum falcatum Baker; Chlorophytum javanicum (Hassk.) M. R. Almeida; Chlorophytum laxiflorum Baker [Illegitimate]; Chlorophytum laxum f. javanicum (Hassk.) Backer; Chlorophytum parviflorum Dalzell; Chlorophytum xerotinum F. Muell.; Nolina javanica Hassk.; Phalangium laxum (R. Br.) F.Muell.; Phalangium parviflorum Wight;