A perennial herb, usually grown as an annual or biennial, up to 150 cm tall. Bulb is indistinct, gradually passing into the scape. Leaves 4-12 (actively growing green leaves 3-6), blades terete, hollow, bluish-green. Scape 1, terete, and hollow. Inflorescence is composed solely of flowers or of bulbils. Flowers with greenish-white to white tepals, stamens and style much longer than tepals. Fruit is about 5 mm in diameter. Seeds are 3-4 mm x 2-2.5 mm.

Antibacterial, antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, galactogogue, stomachic, vermifuge and vulnerary (bulb); as a children's sedative (tea made from roots).

Plants For A Future database
PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

Used in the treatment of colds and abdominal coldness and fullness and against internal parasites (bulb); Used to improve the functioning of internal organs and the metabolism, to prolong life, to improve eyesight, to aid digestion and perspiration, and to enhance recovery from common colds, headaches, wounds and festering sores (whole plant).