Dwarf chicory
Cichorium pumilum

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 5-100 cm tall. The stems are branched in a divided fashion. They are waxy. The leaves are oblong. The flowering heads do not have stalks. The flowers are blue.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in marshes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Crete, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Palestine, Sicily, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled and eaten as salad with yoghurt. They are also fried with onions and spices. The roasted roots are used as a coffee substitute.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hendba', Hindiba, Ilt, Nirvia sarvaggia, 'Olesh

Synonyms

Cichorium ambiguum Schult.; Cichorium dichotomum Link.; Cichorium divaricatum Schousb.; Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. & A. Huet; and several others