Coast tarweed, Chilean oilplant
Madia sativa
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It is covered with sticky hairs. These have a bad smell. It grows 20-90 cm tall. The leaves do not have stalks. The lower leaves form a ring. The upper leaves are alternate. They are narrow and entire. The flowers are yellow.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,300 m above sea level. It grows in humid places with constant rainfall. It grows in full sun. It suits hardiness zone 9. It can tolerate light frosts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, France, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, South America, USA
How it is used for food
Oil is expressed from its seeds. It is used in place of olive oil. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted or dried. The crushed seeds are added to soups.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Seeds, seeds - oil
How it is grown
The seeds need to be sown fresh.
Its other names
Local names
Madia-Oil, Chilean tarweed, Madi, Madia-oil-plant, Mady, Melosa, Pasta aceite, Pasto aceite, Pegajosa, Yuyo aceite