(Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. divaricatum)
Origin Of Genus Name: Chlorogalum is Greek for "green milk or juice."
Presidio Locations: Found throughout the Presidio on coastal bluffs, grasslands and dunes. Range In State: California coast. Description: This native perennial species has a highly branched cluster of white flowers that opens in the evening and closes during the day, indicating pollination by moths. The wavy edged, narrow leaves spring from a white, fleshy bulb with a brown, fibrous outer coat. Blooms June to August. Native Californian Uses: The Ohlone made shampoo by mixing the pounded stems and bulbs in a little water. The juice obtained from the root was used as a purgative, drinking it freely, along with sea water. Brushes were made from the fiberous bulbs. The Pomo cooked and mashed the bulbs, making a glue for brooms and to attach feathers to arrows. They also used the green leaves pricked into the skin to form tattoo marks. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015