Makhobeli, Syrian cephalaria
Cephalaria syriaca

Family: Dipsacaceae

What it is like

Cephalaria syriaca is a ANNUAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Cultivated fields and waste places.

Europe - Spain to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - ground into a powder and used with wheat to make bread, cakes etc. It adds a nice flavour but quickly goes rancid.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The seed contains 22.6% oil, it is used as a fuel.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. This plant is often encouraged to grow in wheatfields in Russia so that its edible seed will be mixed with the wheat grain when this is harvested.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details but suggest sowing the seed in situ in March or April. It might also be worth experimenting with a September/October sowing.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Scabiosa syriaca.