Landscape Plants - Society Garlic - Tulbaghia alliacea

Society Garlic is not a true garlic as it is not in the allium genus, but they are both in the same family. The botanical name is Tulbaghia violacea. This plant hails from South Africa where the native would use this plant for its culinary uses. The Corm or bulb, the leaves, and the flowers are all edible. Eating the leaves raw will render a very distinctive garlic taste in the mouth. The flower can be added to salads for both their edible value and their visual appeal. The bulb can be used like garlic would, and the leaves may be used like spring onion or chives would be used.