Grass flower
Chlorophytum anceps

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It is a lily with grass like leaves. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25 cm tall. The rhizome and base of the stem are covered with grey-brown fibres. The flower stalk is pale green, flattened and 20 cm long. The flowers are in a short spike. They are large and white. They have 6 lobes. These have a brown streak on the back.

There are about 50 Anthericum species. Also put in the family Anthericaceae and Liliaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 800-1600 mm. It grows at an altitude of 1,200-1,500 m.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The small root swellings are cleaned and eaten. The flowers are mixed with other leaves as a relish.

The root swellings are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Roots, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Anthericum anceps Baker;