Black salsify

History

The black salsify is native to Southern Europe and the Near East. As is indicated by its binomial name, it is generally thought to have spread to the rest of Europe from Spain.The name of the genus Scorzonera probably derives from the Old French word scorzon, meaning snake. The Celtic and Germanic peoples are believed to have eaten the black salsify, which was considered efficaceous against the bubonic plague and snake bites until the 16th century. The plant was being cultivated as a vegetable in Italy and France by 1660, however, and soon after, the Belgians were growing vast fields of it.

Related Topics:
Southern Europe - Near East - Binomial name - Spain - Leonhard Rudolf - Aleppo - Syria - Old French - Celt - Germanic - Bubonic plague - Snake bite - 16th century - Italy - France - 1660 - Belgian

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