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Helianthus tuberosus L.
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Common Name: | Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke, Sunroot |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1.8 m to 3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Eastern United States |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves (10-23 cm long, 7-15 cm wide) are lanceolate to ovate (lance-shaped to egg-shaped) with smooth or toothed leaf edges. |
| Flowers | Compound flowers are composed of 10-20 ray florets and >60 disk florets. |
| Fruit | Dry, indehiscent fruits are known as achenes (5-7 mm long). They are hairless or hairy near the apex and attached to a pappus. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The underground tuber is a horizontal stem known as a rhizome. The edible tuber may be boiled or roasted. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Storage Organ |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Rough |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Individual Flower Shape | Ligulate / Strap-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Head / Capitulum |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29776 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4085 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
