Himalayan desert candle, Foxtail lily
Eremurus himalaicus

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

A clumping herb. It grows 90-120 cm high and spreads 75 cm wide. The leaves are strap shaped. The flower spikes are 3 m tall. The flowers are in dense heads. They are lily like and white and star shaped. The stamens protrude.

There are about 50 Eremurus species. It has also been put in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They grow in dry areas. In the Himalayas it grows up to 3,900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Central Asia, Himalayas, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable. The young flower buds are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed of division of the clump. Care needs to be taken not to damage the roots.

Its other names

Local names

Chem, Macho, Pret, Shella, Yamkand

Synonyms

Eremurus aitchisonii Baker;