Image: Wikimedia Commons (See link for license)
Jerusalem ArtichokeπΌ
Helianthus tuberosus
γγ―γ€γ’
A perennial in the daisy family. Introduced from North America. Produces yellow chrysanthemum-like flowers in summer and edible tubers underground. The inulin in the tubers is said to help regulate blood sugar and gut flora, drawing attention as a health food.
Identification Points
- βTall herb, over 2 m
- βYellow chrysanthemum-like flower heads in summer to autumn
- βNumerous underground tubers
Habitat
Cultivated, roadsides, riverbanks (naturalized)
Season
September to October (flowers), October to November (harvest)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Herb
Flower color
Yellow
Flowering season
Autumn
Habitat
Roadside
Phylogenetic Positionγγ―η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Asterales > Asteraceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (approx. 80β70 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification