This South African native has garlic flavored leaves and large umbels of showy lilac flowers. The leaves can be boiled and eaten like spinach or just used as seasoning. The plant has the same antibacterial and antifungal properties as Garlic; recent tests show it may be even more effective. The fresh bulbs are boiled and taken for coughs and colds. It repels fleas, ticks, mosquitos and snakes and is commonly planted around homes where it is native for this reason. Very easy house plant in a bright window - flowers virtually year-round.