Baboon Root
Babiana plicatafam. Iridaceae
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Pl. 9E61 — Babiana plicata
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IOverview
Overview
Baboon Root, scientifically known as Babiana plicata, is a member of the Iridaceae family and is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This plant is valued for its edible root, which can be consumed raw or cooked after proper preparation. Thriving in full sun, Babiana plicata can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. Growing to a height of 0.2 meters, this plant prefers light (sandy) soil and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow well in diverse moisture levels while still requiring full sunlight for optimal growth. The edible parts of the plant are the roots, which can be prepared by boiling or consuming fresh. While not medicinal, Baboon Root is an important part of the local flora and can be cultivated for its culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Baboon Root?
Baboon Root, scientifically known as Babiana plicata, is a member of the Iridaceae family and is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This plant is valued for its edible root, which can be consumed raw or cooked after proper preparation.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Baboon Root thrives in full sun and prefers light, sandy soils that are either dry or moist. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 8-11 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. Growing to about 0.2 meters tall, this plant requires minimal water once established but benefits from occasional moisture. Propagate via root division for best results. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested after the plant has flowered.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Baboon Root for the first time
7steps
Start with Baboon Root to gain experience in growing bulbs, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Baboon Root bulbs, a small trowel or your hands, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in autumn (March to April) for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with sand added if necessary. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-7 cm deep, spaced about 10 cm apart in the garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and allow soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize lightly in spring if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back dead foliage to ground level but leave roots intact for next year.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Baboon Root (Babiana plicata) is edible and its roots are typically eaten raw or cooked. The plant grows in the Cape Provinces of South Africa, thriving in full sun and dry to moist conditions. Roots can be prepared by boiling or consuming fresh.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 1 native
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Iridaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Iridaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
Native to
XII
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