Ipheion uniflorum

(Graham.) Raf.

Amaryllidaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring 8,198 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Ipheion uniflorum is a species of flowering plant, related to the onions, placed in the allium subfamily (Allioideae) of the Amaryllidaceae. It is known by the common name springstar, or spring starflower. Along with all species of the genus Ipheion, some sources place it in the genus Tristagma, but research published in 2010 suggested that this is incorrect. It is native to Argentina and Uruguay, but is widely cultivated as an ornamental and reportedly naturalized in Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Description

A tufted plant related to onions. It grows 30 cm tall. It has a broad bulb. 1-2 cm long. The leaves are narrow and flat. They are 10-35 cm long by 5-8 mm wide. The flowers stalk has one blue flower.

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a garlic-scented flavouring.

Traditional Uses

The leaves have a garlic smell.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, South America, Uruguay,

Notes

Also put in the family Liliaceae.

Synonyms

Beauderdia uniflora (Lindl.) HerterBrodiaea uniflora (Lindl.) Engl.Hookera uniflora (Lindl.) KuntzeIpeion uniflorum (Lindl.) Raf.Leucocoryne uniflora (Lindl.) GreeneMilla bonaiensis Gilg. ex BakerMilla conspicua (Baker) N. E. Br.Milla uniflora (Lindl.) GrahamTristagma uniflorum (Lindl.) TraubTriteleia conspicua BakerTriteleia uniflora Lindl.