A selection from an unpublished manuscript, Ancient Garden Plants and Modern Garden Plants
by James K. Sayre
Copyright, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
Onion, Pregnant - Ornithogatum caudatum (Ornithogatum longibracteatum) - Lilaceae (Lily Family).
[Etymology: onion Middle English unyon, oynon, Old French oignon, Latin unto, from unio, oneness, union, possibly fron unus, in reference to the bulb's many perfectly concentric layers, pregnant Middle English pregnant, preignant, Latin praegnant, praegnans, heavy with young, variant of praegnas, from prae-, pre- + -gnas (akin to gignere, to give birth, so named for its production of small bulblet offsets which are formed near the base of the plant and eventually break through the papery outer layer of the parent bulb].
This is a perennial husky dark green ornamental plant that grows to about three feet high and produces very large oval-shaped bulbs. It has strap-shaped leaves that may grow to two feet long. In the summer produces long stalks (racemes) of many small white bell-shaped flowers, which are followed by small black seeds. Also reproduces by means of small bulblet offsets which are formed near the base of the plant and eventually break through the papery outer layer of the parent bulb. Traditional African folk use of leaves as a poultice for bruises and cuts. Note: not edible. Note: contact with leaves or bulbs may produce dermatitis. Note: leaves are considered quite toxic if ingested. Note: toxic for pets. Prefers a few hours of sun each day. Hardy down to 25° F. Native to the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape in subtropical South Africa. Best cultivated as an ornamental in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 in North America. Also cultivated as a houseplant in North America.
Other names: False Sea Onion, German Onion, Healing Onion,
Meerzweibel, Sea Onion.
End.
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Web page last updated on 27 June 2003.