Aletris farinosa

The name “Aletris” refers to one of the stages of an ancient ritual young women would go through to reach puberty.  The second stage is when a young girl learns to bake bread, and “Aletris” means “a female slave who grinds the meal,” referring to the powered appearance of the plants.  The epithet “farinosa” means “mealy” and further emphasizes the floury appearance of this plant.  The name colic root refers to the root of this plant being used to treat colic (excessive crying), among other ailments like indigestion and lack of appetite.  It contains the steroid saponin.

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