Fragrant False Garlic
Nothoscordum gracile

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

An onion family herb. It is a bulb plant. It keeps growing from year to year. It is 15-60 cm high. The bulb is 12-23 mm across. The leaves are narrow and 14-56 cm long by 2-70 mm wide. The flowers are white with red or pink veins.

There are about 35 Nothoscordum species. They have also been put in the family Alliaceae. Tasmanian one now Nothoscordum borbonicum.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in sandy and sandy clay soils. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. Tasmanian Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Antilles, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Central America, Chile, Europe, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Paraguay, SE Asia, South Africa, South America, St Helena, Tasmania, Uruguay, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The plant is used as a garlic to season smoked sausage.

Edible parts

Root, bulb, leaves, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ajo macho, Alho-bravo, Cebolinha-de-perdiz, Cebolleta del diablo, Coifun, Lagrima de la virgen, White Garlic

Synonyms

Nothoscordum borbonicum Kunth; Allium gracile Aiton; Allium fragrans Vent.; Nothoscordum fragrans (Vent.) Kunth.;