Smallanthus sonchifolius, known as an earth apple, has sweet, edible storage roots and single yellow flowers.
Description:
Smallanthus sonchifolius is a perennial plant notable for its large, edible storage roots. It is a relative of the sunflower with smaller yellow single flowers. The roots have brown skin similar to that of a potato. The flesh is white and sweet to the taste both raw and cooked and is comparable to that of apple and a pear with the crisp texture of celery. Taste and texture remain somewhat the same whether eaten raw or cooked plus it oxidizes at a very slow rate. Roots are said to be very low in carbohydrates. Easy to grow and resistant to many pests and diseases. Consume fresh like a dessert apple or roast or cook in stir fries, soups, stews, and curries.
Common Name: Earth Apple - [Fall Citrus Pre-Order]
Family: Asteraceae (The Aster/Daisy Family)
Zone Hardiness: 7-11
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade, Part Sun
Height: 4-6'
Width: 2-3'
Primary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Secondary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Class: Deciduous
Type: Perennial
Bloom Time: Summer - Fall
Soil Moisture: Moist, Average
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: Yes
Berries:
Benefits: Butterflies, Bees
Deer Resistant: Unknown
BC Native:
Native Habitat: Highlands of the Andes
Award:
Geogrpahical Origin: Americas - Central and South America
*The Plant Encyclopedia is updated each year to provide a representation of the plants we offer, have offered, and may offer again. However, it is not a live inventory of our stock. Not all plants will be available at all times or in every year. Use the link above to enquire about the availability of this plant. Additionally, we carry many plants that have not yet been entered into our database so please enquire if you don’t see what you’re looking for. Plants are available only for on-site sales at our nursery in Richmond, BC, Canada or for shipping within Canada. We do not ship internationally. However, if you are visiting the nursery from afar, we can arrange for the necessary permits and paperwork for you to take plants back with you to your country.