Moraea fugax

root

⚠️ Toxic look-alike

Never eat this plant unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.

Other Cape moraeas, called “tulp”, are deadly: they kill livestock every year, and out of flower their corms all look alike. Their toxins attack the heart: vomiting, weakness, rhythm disorders. Moraea fugax has long, very thin leaves and blue, white or yellow flowers with a sweet scent; only dig up a plant seen in flower and identified by someone who knows it.

If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.

Small corms tasting of hazelnut and chestnut, boiled in milk or roasted, eaten at the Cape since the Khoikhoi.

Origin: South Africa (Cape)
Where to find it: In fynbos and sands, as far as Namaqualand.
Season (United States): all year round
Preparation: The corms are peeled of their fibrous coat, then boiled or roasted for about twenty minutes.
Molecules: In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers
Did you know?: Its flowers last only one day: hence its Latin name, fugax, “fleeting”.