Gundelia tournefortii

A perennial herb reaching 0.6 m tall and 0.2 m wide, growing at a medium rate. Hermaphroditic flowers attract insects and support self-fertility. Notable for wildlife appeal. Thrives in light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Requires full sun and adapts to both dry and moist soils.

Description

A thistle like herb which keeps growing from year to year. It is leafy and can have some hairs. The leaves are narrowly oval and divided into lobes along the stalk. The lower leaves have a stalk and the upper leaves do not have a stalk. The leaf blade often runs down the stem. The leaves have easy to see veins. The midrib is often purple and there are small yellow spines around the edge. The flower heads can be white, yellow, pink, purple or red. They are gathered into spiny heads. They are 4-5 cm across.

Edible Uses

The thick flowering stem, along with the young and still undeveloped flower buds, is sold in local markets in Jerusalem and is a sought-after vegetable. Immature flowering heads are cooked and used like globe artichokes. Leaves, roots, and seeds are also eaten cooked.

Traditional Uses

The young plant and the flower buds and stem are eaten as a vegetable. They are also used in pickles. Roots and stems can be peeled and eaten raw. They are also cooked in stews. Stems are cooked with chickpeas. The buds are boiled and sauteed in butter. The seeds are dried and ground and used as a coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows along the coast. It can grow in dry and salty soils. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Caucasus, Central Asia, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Prefers a sandy peaty soil. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Cultivated in Jerusalem as a vegetable. Dislikes shady conditions. It can grow up to 3000m elevation on plains and mountains. Grows in batha, shrub-steppe, in Mediterranean woodland and shrubland, semi-steppe shrublands, shrub steppe, and montane vegetation. Tournefort’s Gundelia is generally self-fertile. Young shoots and immature flower heads are typically harvested in spring. Tournefort’s Gundelia flowers in late spring to early summer. Tournefort’s Gundelia has a moderate growth rate, establishing itself quickly in suitable conditions.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out in summer. Can also be propagated by division.

Other Uses

The plant can be used in natural landscaping and habitat restoration projects, particularly in Mediterranean environments, where its dense foliage provides wildlife cover. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees and other pollinators. Young flower buds and leaves are consumed by wildlife, and the plant's structure can support nesting birds. It also offers some shelter for overwintering invertebrates, and its aromatic properties may help confuse or deter certain pests.

Other Information

The flower buds are sold in markets. It is an important food source in Anatolia in Turkey.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

A'kkub, Accoub, Akoob, Arkue, Cardi, Ergude, Gerenk, Hacub, Hersev, Kangr, Ka'oob, Kenger, Kengerotu, Kenger zer, Kereng, Kinger, Kingr, Knr, Silifa, Tumbleweed, Tumble thistle

References (43)

• Ahmad, S. A. & Askari, A. A., 2015, Ethnobotany of the Hawraman Region of Kurdistan Iraq. Harvard Papers in Botany, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2015, pp. 85–89.
• Ali-Shtayeh, M. S., et al, 2008, Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in Palestine (Northern West Bank): A comparative study. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 4: 13
• Al-Qura'n, S. A., 2010, Ethnobotanical and Ecological Studies of Wild Edible Plants in Jordan. Libyan Agriculture Research Center Journal International 1(4):231-243
• Ari, S., et al, 2015, Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in Afyonkarahisar-Turkey. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 11:84
• Batal, M. & Hunter, E., 2007, Traditional Lebanese recipes based on wild plants: An answer to diet simplification? Food and Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 28, no. 2 (supplement) © 2007, The United Nations University.

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