Chlorogalum pomeridianum Soap lily (Hyacinthaceae)

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Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Soap lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Chlorogalum pomeridianum plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Hyacinthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Soap lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as Loathoe pomeridiana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Common Name:  Soap lily
Family:  Hyacinthaceae
Author:  (DC.)Kunth.

Known Hazards:  The bulb contains saponins. Although fairly toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and most of them simply pass straight through. Saponins are found in a number of common foods, including many beans. They are destroyed by thorough cooking[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Dry open hills and plains, occasionally in woods, below 1500 metres[71].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow spring or summer 2mm deep in a peat/sand mix. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c, but it can be slow and erratic. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings do not need to be thinned and grow them on in the pot for their first year of growth, giving an occasional liquid feed o ensure that they do not become mineral deficient. When dormant, pot up 3 young bulbs per pot and grow them on for at least another 2 years before planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring[164]. Division of offsets when the bulb dies down in late summer. Larger offsets can be planted out direct into their permanent positions but it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for at least a year in the greenhouse.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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