Desert snowdrop
Eremiolirion amboense

Family: Tecophilaeaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year but loses its leaves during the year. It grows 25 cm high. The corms are about 3 cm across. They have a covering of netted fibres. There are 2 leaves at the base. These are narrow and sword shaped and 10 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are nodding and white with pink. They close at night and open again in the morning. There are about 30 flowers in a group.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid regions with a marked dry season. It grows in well drained soils. It grows between 50-800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The corms are part of the traditional bushmen diet.

Edible parts

Root, bulb, corm

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Uias

Synonyms

Cyanella amboensis Schinz.