Rocus-leaved Romulea, Violet romulea
Romulea bulbocodium

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A low plant which forms a corm. It often forms large colonies. The leaves are near the base and are narrow. There are usually 3-7 leaves. They are deep green. They can be curved or straight. The flowers are large and white to lilac. They can be green on the outside and striped with violet. They are yellow in the throat. The tepals are narrowly oval and pointed. They are 20-35 mm long.

There are about 80-90 Romulea species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in rocky and grassy habitats. It can grow in the lowlands or mountains near the Mediterranean. It suits hardiness zone 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Balkans, Bulgaria, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, Portugal, Spain

How it is used for food

The bulbs are peeled and eaten raw as a snack. The fruit are eaten raw.

The bulbs are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Root, bulbs, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anodeas, Calabacilla, Curcubilla, Leza

Synonyms

Romulea bulbocodium;