Ornithogalum gracillimum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A bulb plant. It grows 20 cm tall. The bulb is 2 cm across. The leaves are narrow and 17 cm long. The flowering shoots have 2-12 white flowers. The fruit capsule is 3-4 mm long.

There are about 80-200 Ornithogalum species. Also put in the family Liliaceae and Hyacinthaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between 2,000-3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda

How it is used for food

The bulbs are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Bulbs, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nicipe gracillima (R. E. Fr.) Mart.-Azonin et al;