Common Name: Society Garlic

General Information

Tulbaghia violacea is a stemless, perennial plant producing rosettes of grass-like leaves around 30cm tall from underground corms with a rhizome-like base. Plants grow from a cluster of small bulbs attached to a basal plate that is sometimes regarded as a rhizome[]. The plant is usually evergreen but becomes dormant in areas with a cold or dry season[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is widely cultivated in warm temperate to tropical areas as an ornamental plant[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

South Africa - Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal

Habitat

Forest margins and stream banks[]. Found at elevations from sea level to 1,220 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tulbaghia violacea is a plant mainly of subtropical and Mediterranean climates. It is somewhat cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[]. Plants have proved reasonably hardy in the UK, with some reported to be hardy as far north as Edinburgh botanical gardens[].
Requires a well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny sheltered position[, ].
The flowers are very fragrant at night, the whole plant has a garlic-like aroma[].
Plants can flower all year round when growing in warm climates[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[]. 'Silver Lace' is a dwarf clumping plant that grows well in containers and is more attractive with larger flowers than the type[, ].
Members of this genus tend to hybridize freely in cultivation or if their wild ranges overlap[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and stems - raw or cooked. A mild garlic flavour, they are used as a flavouring in soups and salads[]. The leaves taste hot but do not have a lot of flavour[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. They can be added to salads, used as a garnish or as a flavouring in cooked foods[]. The flowers are very ornamental, they have an onion-like heat in the mouth but very little flavour[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the bulbs is used in the treatment of intestinal worms[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the greenhouse[]. Sow stored seed in early spring in the greenhouse[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If planting them outdoors, this is best done in late summer when the plants are dormant.
Division of the dormant plants in late summer.