Syrian Cephalaria
Cephalaria syriaca

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A tall herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows about 1 m tall. It is woody near the base and the stems are erect and unbranched. The leaves are usually not lobed. The flowers are blue or lilac. They are 8-14 mm long.

There are about 65 Cephalaria species. Also put in the family Dipsacaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in general garden soils. It grows in cultivated and waste places. In Pakistan it grows between 1,000-2,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Caucasus, Central Asia, Cyprus, Egypt - Sinai, Europe, France, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The seed are ground into a powder and used with flour. They add a nice flavour but it quickly goes rancid.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds, oil

How it is grown

Seed can be sown where they are to grow.

Its other names

Local names

Abrepuños, Céphalaire de Syrie, Escabiosilla, Makhobeli, Pelemir

Synonyms

Cephalaria boisseri Reuter; Cephalaria syriaca var. boissieri (Reuter) Boiss.; Scabiosa syriaca L.;