TULBAGHIA. Thbg. (Asphodeleæ.) VI.—1. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. LIN. SYST.
91. Tulbaghia alliacea. Thbg. Root fasciculated, imperfectly bulbous, fibrous. Leaves sheating at base, two-rowed, strap-shaped, linear, obtuse, streaked, smooth. Scape simple, longer than the leaves, ending in a loose, few-flowered umbel, surrounded by a dry 2-valved involucre. Flowers 6-7, on long peduncles drooping, dark purplish. Perianth double, outer-one funnel-shaped, limb 6 partite, interior 3-leaved, fleshy.
This bulbous plant has a very pungent, offensive odour, very like that of garlic, and a somewhat acrimonious taste, and has received the name of wilde Knoflook (wild garlic). Its bulbs, boiled in milk, are recommended in phthisis, and for expelling intestinal worms. In the eastern districts, Tulbaghia cepacea and T. violacea serve the same purpose.