Aaronsohnia pubescens

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

It is used as a medicinal plant. It has anti-fungal activity and is used as a food preservative.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in the Sahara and in arid places. It has been recorded up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Europe, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Spain, Sudan,Tunisia

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to flavour and preserve melted butter.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ghezim sghir, Guertouf, Lerbyan

Synonyms

Chamomilla pubescens (Desf.) Alavi; Chrysanthemum cossonianum Batt.; Cotula pubescens Desf.; Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Sch.Bip.; and others