Common chincherinchee
Albuca virens

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A robust bulb plant. The bulbs are round and brown and softly fleshy. The leaves are narrow and wide at the base and taper to the tip. There are many flowers in a group. The fruit is a capsule longer than wide. The seeds are flattened and angular.

Also put in the family Liliaceae and Hyacinthaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in stony ground.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Congo DR, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The bulb is roasted and tastes like an onion. It is usually cooked with meat. Caution: There are some claims that it is poisonous.

Edible parts

Bulb, leaves, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Morotele o monyenyane, Prei, Wilde ui

Synonyms

Ornithogalum tenuifolium F. Delaroche; and many others