Tragopogon porrifolius

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Tragopogon porrifolius
Purple Salsify - Stierch.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Tragopogon
Species:
T. porrifolius
Binomial name
Tragopogon porrifolius
Synonyms [2]
  • Tragopogon australisBourg. ex Nyman
  • Tragopogon australisJord.
  • Tragopogon barbirostrisBisch.
  • Tragopogon brachyphyllus(Boiss.) Gand.
  • Tragopogon brachyphyllus(Boiss.) Nyman nom. inval.
  • Tragopogon claviculatusS.A.Nikitin
  • Tragopogon coelesyriacusBoiss.
  • Tragopogon cupaniGuss. ex DC.
  • Tragopogon dshimilensisK.Koch
  • Tragopogon eriospermusTen.
  • Tragopogon krascheninnikoviiS.A.Nikitin
  • Tragopogon longirostrisSch.Bip.
  • Tragopogon macrocephalusPomel
  • Tragopogon orgyalisReut.
  • Tragopogon sativusGaterau
  • Tragopogon sinuatusAvé-Lall.
Salsify, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 343 kJ (82 kcal)
18.6 g
Dietary fiber 3.3 g
Fat
0.2 g
3.3 g
Vitamins Quantity
%DV†
Thiamine (B1)
7%
0.08 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
18%
0.22 mg
Niacin (B3)
3%
0.5 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
7%
0.371 mg
Vitamin B6
21%
0.277 mg
Folate (B9)
7%
26 μg
Vitamin C
10%
8 mg
Minerals Quantity
%DV†
Calcium
6%
60 mg
Iron
5%
0.7 mg
Magnesium
6%
23 mg
Manganese
13%
0.268 mg
Phosphorus
11%
75 mg
Potassium
8%
380 mg
Sodium
1%
20 mg
Zinc
4%
0.38 mg
Other constituentsQuantity
Water77 g
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Illustration of parts Tragopogon porrifolius Sturm35.jpg
Illustration of parts
Tragopogon porrifolius - MHNT Tragopogon porrifolius 1 MHNT.jpg
Tragopogon porrifolius – MHNT

Tragopogon porrifolius is a plant cultivated for its ornamental flower and edible root. It also grows wild in many places and is one of the most widely known species of the salsify genus, Tragopogon . It is commonly known as purple or common salsify, oyster plant, vegetable oyster, Jerusalem star, [3] Jack go to bed, [4] or simply salsify (although these last two names are also applied to other species).

Contents

The Latin specific epithet porrifolius means "with leaves like leek" (Allium porrum). [5]

Origin and distribution

Tragopogon porrifolius is a common biennial wildflower, native to southeast Europe and north Africa, [6] but introduced elsewhere, for example, into the British Isles (mainly in central and southern England), [7] other parts of northern Europe, North America and southern Africa, and in Australia. In the United States, it is now found growing wild in almost every state, including Hawaii, except in the extreme south-east.

Morphology

The plant grows to around 1.2 m (4 ft) in height. [8] As with other Tragopogon species, its stem is largely unbranched and the leaves are somewhat grasslike. It exudes a milky juice from the stems. The taproots can become 15–30 cm (6–11+3⁄4 in) long and 2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 in) thick. [6]

In the UK it flowers from May to September, but in warmer areas such as California it can be found in bloom from April. The flower head is about 5 cm (2 in) across and each is surrounded by green bracts which are longer than the petals (technically, the ligules of the ray flowers). The flowers are like that of Tragopogon pratensis , but are larger and dull purple, 3–5 cm (1+1⁄4–2 in) across. The flowers are hermaphroditic and pollination is by insects.

The fruits are beaked achenes, rod-shaped with light ribs. They have hairs at one end that facilitate wind dispersal. [9] The achenes are 10–17 mm long and 1–3 mm wide without counting the beak, which is up to 55 mm in length. [6] When the fruits are formed fully, the hairs from the fruits give the appearance of a ball of fluff which gives the plant its name "goatsbeard". [10]

Cultivation

The root and the young shoots of T. porrifolius can be eaten (after being boiled). [11] The freshly grown leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. [6] [10] Historically, the plant was cultivated for that purpose; it is mentioned by classical authors such as Pliny the Elder. Cultivation in Europe began in the 16th century in France and Italy. In the United Kingdom it was initially grown for its flower and later became a mildly popular vegetable in the 18th century but then declined in popularity. Presently the root is cultivated and eaten most frequently in France, Germany, Italy and Russia. However, in modern times it has tended to be replaced by Spanish salsify (Scorzonera hispanica) as a cultivated crop.

Cultivated varieties include 'White French', 'Gian French', [4] 'Mammoth Sandwich Island', [12] [13] 'Improved Mammoth Sandwich Island', 'Blauetikett', [4] and 'Lüthy'; [4] they are generally characterised by larger or better-shaped roots. To maintain the purity of the cultivar a distance of 500 ft (150 m) has to be met. When T. porrifolius is grown for seed, it is harvested in the second season from midsummer to early autumn to select for bolt resistance. [6] The root becomes discoloured and spoils quickly if broken, which can easily happen since it is difficult to remove from the soil without damage.

Sowing and soil requirements

Salsify is grown similarly to other root vegetables like parsnip and carrots and thus require similar attention. [13] [14] Sowing can be done in late summer or early winter [13] to foster an early growth. [12] Planting can also be done in early spring about 100 days before the first frosts in a well prepared soil, preferably a loam or silt-loam. [14] It should be done at the depth of 1.3 to 2 cm. Spacing between rows should be around 45 to 60 cm and the seeds should be separated by 3 cm approximately. This represent 12 g of seeds per 10 m of row for the cultivar 'Mammoth Sandwich Island'. A thinning to 5 cm between the plants is needed when the seedlings reach 5 cm. [13] T. porrifolius needs deep and loose soils which are not too dry for a good development of the taproot. Stony or waterlogged soils have negative effects on yields and hamper harvesting. Other root crops, legumes and cereals have been mentioned as possible preculture. T. porrifolius is a moderate feeder, therefore the application of fresh manure does not benefit yields. During the main growing period a good water supply prevents potential branching of the taproot. [15]

Climate requirements

There are no specific requirements known for the cultivation of T. porrifolius, but they have been successfully cultivated in temperate climate zones. [9] The seedlings need a temperature of 8–16 °C to germinate and the plant will freeze between −1.1 and −1.6 °C. T. porrifolius can cope with low temperatures and is not injured by light freezing. [15] [16]

Growth and development

The seeds need 8–10 days of germination time. T. porrifolius is a biennial plant. In the first year only the vegetative parts of the plant are developed. In autumn, the energy is stored in the root system, which is depending on the variety more or less branched. In the second season the generative purple flowers evolve. [15] They bloom from early to mid summer. [9]

Harvest and storage

The taproots are usually harvested from late autumn onwards (later than October in the Northern Hemisphere) and during winter. Harvesting after a frost is favoured to improve the taste of the root. After flowering, the taproot becomes stringy and inedible. [15] The taproots can be stored in traditional clamps although refrigerated storage has been recommended at 0 °C and 90–95% relative humidity for 2–4 months. [9] [16]

Pests and diseases

Few pests or diseases affect T. porrifolius. White rust ( Albugo tragopogonis ) is the most common disease of T. porrifolius. Closely related wild species (e.g. Tragopogon pratensis ), black salsify ( Scorzonera hispanica ), gerbera ( Gerbera ) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) are also found to be hosts of this fungus. At an early stage chlorotic spotting is visible on leaves and stems. These develop during the course of disease into small white blisters.

Occasional problems are reported with rust diseases caused by Puccinia hystericum , Puccinia jackyana and Puccinia scorzonera . [17] Mulching with oats and the use of spring vetch ( Vicia sativa ) or blue tansy ( Phacelia tanacetifolia ) as cover crops reduces the number of fungi infecting seedlings and roots. The following fungi have been isolated from T. porrifolius seedlings and roots: Alternaria alternata , Fusarium culmorum , Fusarium oxysporum , Penicillium spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . [18]

When the rows are planted too close together, powdery mildew ( Erysiphe cichoriacearum ) can affect the plants. [16]

When the roots are left in the ground over winter, mice and voles may nibble them. [16]

Uses

A latex derived from the root can be used as a chewing gum.[ citation needed ]

As food

The plant is edible, [19] but the roots and leaves are most palatable when collected before the flower stalk is produced. [20] The root is noted for having a mild taste when uncooked, described as like asparagus or oysters, from which the plant derives its alternative name of oyster plant. The outer layers can be scraped off, with the root dipped in cold water to preserve its colour. [20] If too tough for eating, they can be boiled with a pinch of baking soda and a change of water. [20] Raw young roots can be grated for use in salads, but older roots are better cooked. They can be added to soups, stews or stir-fries. Salsify purée (alone or including potato) is recommended with fish. [21]

The flowering shoots can be used like asparagus, either raw or cooked and the flowers can be added to salad, while the sprouted seeds can be used in salads or sandwiches.

Raw salsify is 77% water, 19% carbohydrates, 3% protein and contains negligible fat (table). In a 100 gram reference amount, raw salsify supplies 82 calories and moderate contents of riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese and phosphorus.

Phytochemicals

Tragopogon porrifolius contains polyphenol phytochemicals which are under preliminary research for their potential biological effects. [22] Tragopogon species are being studied at the biochemical level for their novel enzyme forms and genetic polymorphism. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turnip</span> Type of root vegetable

The turnip or white turnip is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, fleshy taproot. The word turnip is a compound of turn as in turned/rounded on a lathe and neep, derived from Latin napus, the word for the plant. Small, tender varieties are grown for human consumption, while larger varieties are grown as feed for livestock. In Northern England, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and parts of Canada, the word turnip often refers to rutabaga, also known as swede, a larger, yellow root vegetable in the same genus (Brassica).

<i>Tragopogon</i> Genus of plants

Tragopogon, also known as goatsbeard or salsify, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It includes the vegetable known as salsify, as well as a number of common wild flowers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radish</span> Root vegetable of the family Brassicaceae

The radish is an edible root vegetable of the family Brassicaceae that was domesticated in Asia prior to Roman times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Root vegetable</span> Plant root used as a vegetable

Root vegetables are underground plant parts eaten by humans as food. Although botany distinguishes true roots from non-roots, the term "root vegetable" is applied to all these types in agricultural and culinary usage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parsnip</span> Root vegetable in the flowering plant family Apiaceae

The parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to carrot and parsley, all belonging to the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is a biennial plant usually grown as an annual. Its long taproot has cream-colored skin and flesh, and, left in the ground to mature, it becomes sweeter in flavor after winter frosts. In its first growing season, the plant has a rosette of pinnate, mid-green leaves. If unharvested, in its second growing season it produces a flowering stem topped by an umbel of small yellow flowers, later producing pale brown, flat, winged seeds. By this time, the stem has become woody and the tap root inedible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beetroot</span> Taproot portion of the beet plant

The beetroot is the taproot portion of a beet plant, usually known in North America as beets while the vegetable is referred to as beetroot in British English, and also known as the table beet, garden beet, red beet, dinner beet or golden beet.

<i>Scorzonera hispanica</i> Species of plant

Scorzonera hispanica, commonly known as black salsify or Spanish salsify, also known as black oyster plant, serpent root, viper's herb, viper's grass or simply scorzonera, is a perennial member of the genus Scorzonera in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), cultivated as a root vegetable in the same way as purple salsify, also in the sunflower family. It is native to Southern Europe and cultivated as a crop in Southern and Central Europe. It grows on nutrient poor soils, dry pasture, rocky areas, in thickets and on limy or marly soils of temperate zones.

Oyster plant is a common name used for various flowering plants, including:

<i>Scolymus hispanicus</i> Species of flowering plant

Scolymus hispanicus, the common golden thistle or Spanish oyster thistle, is a flowering plant in the genus Scolymus in the family Asteraceae, native to southern and western Europe, north to northwestern France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taproot</span> Dominant root from which other roots sprout laterally

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<i>Stachys affinis</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Hypochaeris radicata</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae

Hypochaeris radicata – also known as catsear, flatweed, cat's-ear, hairy cat's ear, or false dandelion – is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. The plant is native to Europe, but has also been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be an invasive weed. It is listed as a noxious weed in the northwestern U.S. state of Washington.

<i>Tragopogon pratensis</i> Species of plant

Tragopogon pratensis is a biennial plant in the family Asteraceae, distributed across Europe and North America, commonly growing in fields and on roadsides. It is found in North America from southern Ontario to Massachusetts; most of England; on the eastern and southern edges of Scotland; and central Ireland but not the coastal edges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrot</span> Root vegetable, usually orange in color

The carrot is a root vegetable, typically orange in color, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist, all of which are domesticated forms of the wild carrot, Daucus carota, native to Europe and Southwestern Asia. The plant probably originated in Persia and was originally cultivated for its leaves and seeds. The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the stems and leaves are also eaten. The domestic carrot has been selectively bred for its enlarged, more palatable, less woody-textured taproot.

<i>Tragopogon dubius</i> Species of plant

Tragopogon dubius is a species of salsify native to southern and central Europe and western Asia and found as far north and west as northern France. Although it has been reported from Kashmir and India, recent evidence suggests that specimens from these areas may be a different species. Western salsify has been introduced into North America where it has become widespread, being reported from all the continental United States except for a few in the far south-east, and all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the northern territories.

<i>Mahonia trifoliolata</i> Species of flowering plant

Mahonia trifoliolata is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, in southwestern North America. Common names include agarita, agrito, algerita, currant-of-Texas, wild currant, and chaparral berry. The name Agarita comes from the Spanish verb agarrar, which means "to grab". The ending "-ita" is often added to little things, so agarita means "grabs a little". This was probably said because the bush is a bit scratchy but does not have significant spines. Typical characteristics are grey-green to blue-grey leaves, yellow flowers in February to April and the red berries appearing in May. The most important harvest organ are the berries, though the roots and seeds can also be used.

<i>Chaerophyllum bulbosum</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Silphium perfoliatum</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Balsamorhiza sagittata</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Vigna vexillata</i> Species of legume

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References

  1. ↑ Species Plantarum 2: 789. 1753. "Name – Tragopogon L." Tropicos. Saint Louis, Missouri: Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved February 8, 2010. Type Specimens: Tragopogon porrifolius
  2. ↑ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species , retrieved 1 July 2016
  3. ↑ "J". Historical Common Names of Great Plains Plants. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Archived from the original on December 7, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Storl, Wolf-Dieter (2012). Bekannte und vergessene Gemüse : Ethnobotanik, Heilkunde und Anwendungen. Aarau: AT Verlag. ISBN   978-3-03800-672-5.
  5. ↑ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN   184533731X.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Heistinger, Andrea (2013). The manual of seed saving: harvesting, storing and sowing techniques for vegetables, herbs and fruits. London: Timber Press Portland. ISBN   978-1-60469-382-9.
  7. ↑ Stace, Clive (2010). New Flora of the British Isles (3rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN   978-0-521-70772-5. p. 707.
  8. ↑ Blamey, Marjorie; Fitter, Richard; Fitter, Alistair (2003). Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. London: A & C Black. pp. 294–295. ISBN   0-7136-5944-0.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Heistinger, Andrea; Lerch, Franziska (2010). Handbuch Bio-Gemüse: Sortenvielfalt für den eigenen Garten. Ulmer. ISBN   978-3-8001-6950-4.
  10. 1 2 Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. (1985) [1979]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region. Knopf. p. 404. ISBN   0-394-50432-1.
  11. ↑ Lyons, C. P. (1956). Trees, Shrubs and Flowers to Know in Washington (1st ed.). Canada: J. M. Dent & Sons. pp. 153, 196.
  12. 1 2 Lloyd, John W. (February 1902). "Vegetables for a farmer's garden in northern Illinois" (PDF). University of Illinois: Agricultural Experiment Station. Circular No. 45: 1–5.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Andersen, Craig R. (7 July 2011). "Home Gardening Series: Salsify" (PDF). Agriculture and Natural Resources– via Elsevier.
  14. 1 2 BosweII, Victor R. (1957). "Vegetables". Yearbook of Agriculture: 692–698.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Dachler, Michael (2017). Bildatlas Samen : Getreide, Pseudocerealien, Gemüse, Ölpflanzen, Eiweißpflanzen, Grünlandpflanzen, Gründüngung, Faserpflanzen, Farbstoffpflanzen, Arzneipflanzen, Gewürzpflanzen. Frankfurt am Main: DLG-Verlag. ISBN   978-3-7690-0845-6.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Joshi, Bal Krishna; Shrestha, Renuka. Working Groups of Agricultural PlantGenetic Resources (APGRs) in Nepal. Proceedings of National Workshop, 21−22 June 2018, Kathmandu. National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center. ISBN   978-9937-0-6000-4 . Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  17. ↑ Thompson, Anthony Keith (2015). Fruit and vegetables : harvesting, handling and storage (Third ed.). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN   978-1-118-65404-0. OCLC   904730845.
  18. ↑ Clements, David R.; Upadhyaya, Mahesh K.; Bos, Shelley J. (1999). "The biology of Canadian weeds. 110. Tragopogon dubius Scop., Tragopogon pratensis L., and Tragopogon porrifolius L." Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 79 (1): 153–163. doi: 10.4141/P98-007 .
  19. ↑ Fagan, Damian (2019). Wildflowers of Oregon: A Field Guide to Over 400 Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs of the Coast, Cascades, and High Desert. Guilford, CT: FalconGuides. p. 161. ISBN   978-1-4930-3633-2. OCLC   1073035766.
  20. 1 2 3 Elias, Thomas S.; Dykeman, Peter A. (2009) [1982]. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods. New York: Sterling. p. 112. ISBN   978-1-4027-6715-9. OCLC   244766414.
  21. ↑ "Salsify". Special Fruit NV. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  22. ↑ Spina, Michele; Cuccioloni, Massimiliano; Sparapani, Luca; Acciarri, Stefano; Eleuteri, Anna Maria; Fioretti, Evandro; Angeletti, Mauro (2008). "Comparative evaluation of flavonoid content in assessing quality of wild and cultivated vegetables for human consumption". Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture . 88 (2): 294–304. doi:10.1002/jsfa.3089. ISSN   1097-0010.
  23. ↑ Soltis, Pamela S.; Liu, Xiaoxian; Marchant, D. Blaine; Visger, Clayton J.; Soltis, Douglas E. (5 August 2014). "Polyploidy and novelty: Gottlieb's legacy". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences . 369 (1648): 20130351. doi:10.1098/rstb.2013.0351. ISSN   0962-8436. PMC   4071524 . PMID   24958924.
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