Scorzonera schweinfurthii
Boiss.
Desert viper's grass
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Ron Frumkin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ron Frumkin
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Ron Frumkin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A perennial herb with a tap root system. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil across light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay types. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH. Performs best in dry or moist conditions and cannot tolerate shade.
Description
A herb. It grows 10-25 cm tall. It is hairy. The root is brown and thick with a tuber at the end. The stems and simple and leafy below. The leaves are grey and narrow and wavy at the edges. The flowers are yellow.
Edible Uses
The root is edible cooked.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves are eaten fresh or in salads with yoghurt. The root is cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in desert locations. It can grow in arid places.
Where It Grows
Africa, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse, pricking out seedlings into relatively deep pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, to accommodate the taproot. If growth is strong, plant out in early summer; otherwise overwinter in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring the following year. Divide in autumn or as growth begins in spring. Larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame, then planted out once well established in summer.
Other Uses
None known.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Dhibbah, Edomite viper's grass, Ka'fur, Masha'a, Qa'four
References (5)
- 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
- Al-Sodany, Y. M., et al, 2013, Medicinal Plants in Saudi Arabia: I. Sarrwat Mountains at Taif, KSA. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences 6 (4): 134-145
- Ferns, Plants For A Future
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 99
- Wild Edible Plants in Lebanon. Promoting dietary diversity in poor communities in Lebanon. http://www.wildedibleplants.org/
