Heliantus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke )

Crop Type: Garden Crop

Breeding system: Predominantly allogamous

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) belongs to the Asteraceae family, originally from North and Central America. At the beginning of the 17th century French sailors brought the ‘Batatas de Canada’ to France. Soon they became very popular in Europe. Thanks to its healthy components like inulin, the Jerusalem artichoke is experiencing a renaissance. In the meantime, it is being sold again at weekly markets and in well-stocked supermarkets. However, there is also the need for being careful with the use of this crop, especially along nature protection sites. For example, it is listed on the Swiss watch list of neophytes, which lists plants that can potentially be harmful to the Swiss ecosystem.

References

Contribution by ProSpecieRara, Switzerland.