Rat's tail
Babiana ringens

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40 cm high. It has a corm that tends to be deep underground. The leaves are stiff and erect. They are strongly pleated or folded. The flowers are on a side branch that comes out parallel to the ground. The flowers have 2 lips and stamen that are longer than the flower tube. The flowers are bright red. The top part of the flower stalk does not have flowers and looks like a rat's tail.

Where it is found

It is usually in sandy soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The corms are cooked in a variety of dishes.

Edible parts

Corms, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Antholyza ringens L.;