The genus Tulbaghia, commonly known as wild garlic or society garlic, is a charming group of flowering plants in the Alliaceae family, native primarily to southern Africa. Renowned for their ornamental appeal and distinctive garlic-like aroma, Tulbaghia species thrive in sun-drenched gardens and rocky grasslands, where they display clusters of starry, tubular flowers in hues of soft lilac, pink, or white. These resilient perennials are not only drought-tolerant and easy to cultivate but also hold traditional medicinal and culinary value in some cultures. Named in honour of Ryk Tulbagh, a former governor of the Cape Colony, this genus beautifully blends botanical elegance with practical versatility, making it a firm favourite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.

Tulbaghia maritima, commonly known as Garden Route Garlic or Coast Wild Garlic in English or Kuswildenoflok in Afrikaans and synonymously known as Tulbaghia cepacea maritima or Tulbaghia violacea maritima, is a rare South African endemic perennial found in the Eastern Cape province from Nature’s Valley to the Gamtoos River Mouth. It occurs in sandy soil among rocks, near the seashore. During spring and summer, it produces sweetly scented light pink to light purple flowers that attract butterflies to the garden.