Triangular garlic, Three-cornered leek
Allium triquetrum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

An onion family plant. It is a plant which continues to grow from year to year by re-sprouting from the rootstock. It grows to 50 cm high and spreads 30 cm across. The stem is erect. The stem is triangular in cross section. The leaves are narrow and flat. They are 25 cm long and develop in a clump. The flower stem has a triangle shape. It has white flowers with 6 petals. These droop. They are on one side of the stalk. It has a garlic smell.

There are about 300-700 Allium species. Most species of Allium are edible (Flora of China). All alliums are edible but they may not all be worth eating! It can become invasive. They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate places. It is frost resistant but drought tender. It grows in damp, shaded places. In colder climates it needs well-drained positions. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Europe, Falklands, France, Ireland, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, South America, Spain, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The bulbs are used in salads. They are also cooked. The young leaves are eaten. The flowers can be added to salads.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root, bulb

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from the small bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Agghiu sarvaggiu, Angled onion, Purris, Pras e eger, Three cornered garlic, Toum lberry

Synonyms

Allium medium G. Don; Allium opizii Wolfner; Allium triquetrum var. bulbiferum Batt. & Trab.;