Veldkool
Trachyandra ciliata

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

An onion like plant. It is erect and hairy and has a rhizome. It grows 50 cm tall. The roots are spindle shaped and often swollen and spongy. The leaves are narrow. The flowers are in branched groups in the axils of leaves. The flowers are 10 mm long and white and hairy. They are on slender stalks. The fruit is oval or round and a slightly fleshy capsule. The seeds are black.

Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is usually near the coast on sandy soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The flower buds are cooked in stew. The leaves are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Flower buds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kool, Moretete, Motoropo, Veldkool, Wilde blomkool, Wilde groenboon

Synonyms

Anthericum ciliatum L.f.: Bulbine ciliata (L.f.) Link; and several others