Desert viper's grass
Scorzonera schweinfurthii

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 10-25 cm tall. It is hairy. The root is brown and thick with a tuber at the end. The stems and simple and leafy below. The leaves are grey and narrow and wavy at the edges. The flowers are yellow.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in desert locations. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten fresh or in salads with yoghurt. The root is cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Dhibbah, Edomite viper's grass, Ka'fur, Masha'a, Qa'four

Synonyms

Scorzonera rawii Rech.f. & Guest;