Bongardia, Chrysogonum
Bongardia chrysogonum

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It has a rounded tuber or corm. It grows to 30-60 cm tall and spreads 30-50 cm wide. The leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 10-25 cm long. They are bluish-green but reddish near the base. The flowers are pale yellow. They are in loose panicles. The fruit are oval and have a red tinge.

There is only one Bongardia species. Also put in the family Leonticaceae.

Where it is found

It needs a well drained sandy soil. Plants need hot dry conditions during the summer dormancy. It suits a Mediterranean climate. It is drought tolerant. It cannot stand wet conditions. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central Asia, Europe, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The root tubers are baked or boiled then eaten. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are added to salads. The young flowers are boiled or fried with eggs to make an omelette

Edible parts

Leaves, root, tubers, flowers

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. Plants should be grown in warm sheltered conditions for the first 3 years.

Plants can be very long lived.

Its other names

Local names

Eraift ed-dik, Gablla, Geble, Kaprooka, Ladies nightcap, Rejil al-hamameh

Synonyms

Bongardia margalla R. R. Stewart; Bongardia olivieri C. A. Mey; Bongardia rauwolfii C. A. Mey; Leontice chrysogonum Linn.;