Alaska Onion Grass (Melica subulata) is one of the few native species of grass we have at Leaning Oaks. Commonest under the shade of some of our Douglas-fir it is an indicator of a rare plant community on southern Vancouver Island. Onion grasses are so named for the bulb like corm found at the base of the stem. The corm of this species is said to be edible, with a nutty flavour, although I haven't tried it myself. This is a perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes. There are two other species of Melica on southern Vancouver Island, but neither of those species produce the onion-like corms.
1 Comment
Mark
11/14/2022 07:59:19 am
Hello, I was wondering if you had any sources for the edibility of this species? Or any other information about the potential cultural importance of Melica subulata? Thanks!
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AuthorsTwo biologists on a beautiful property armed with cameras, smart phones and a marginal knowledge of websites took up the challenge of documenting one species a day on that property. Join along! Posts and photographs by Leah Ramsay and David Fraser (unless otherwise stated); started January 1, 2014. Categories
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