Jerusalem Artichoke - introduced (*Helianthus tuberosus)

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family).

Native of North & South America.

Occurrence: Uncommon weed. Often planted as a vegetable.

Identification:

• it grows to several metres high
• its has large yellow daisy flowers
• it has tubers below ground level.

Jerusalem Artichokes are cultivated for the edible tubers. Spread is often by dumping of garden refuse. Jerusalem Artichhokes are related to the Sunflowers.

Photos 1: Jerusalem Artichoke growing beside Barkers Creek, Gingell St.
2: Flowers resemble small sunflowers. 3: Leaves showing upper and lower surfaces. Garden specimen.