Pseudopodospermum hispanicum

Pseudopodospermum hispanicum

The Black Salsify or Scorzonera (Pseudopodospermum hispanicum (L.) Zaika, Sukhor. & N.Kilian, 2020) is a herbaceous species belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota Domain,
Kingdom Plantae,
Magnoliophyta Division,
Magnoliopsida class,
Subclass Asteridae,
Asterales Order,
Asteraceae family,
Subfamily Cichorioideae,
Cichorieae tribe,
Genus Pseudopodospermum.
P. hispanicum species.
The following terms are synonymous:
– Scorzonera asphodeloides Wallr.;
– Scorzonera glastifolia Willd.;
– Scorzonera tenuifolia P. Fourn.;
– Scorzonera hispanica subsp. glastifolia (Willd.) Arcang.;
– Scorzonera denticulata Lam.;
– Scorzonera hispanica L..
In Italy there are the following subspecies:
– Pseudopodospermum hispanicum subsp. asphodeloides (Wallr.) Bartolucci, Galasso & F. Conti;
– Pseudopodospermum hispanicum (L.) Zaika, Sukhor. & N. Kilian subsp. hispanicum;
– Pseudopodospermum hispanicum subsp. neapolitanum (Grande) Bartolucci, Galasso & F. Conti.

Etymology –
The term Pseudopodospermum comes from the Greek prefix ψευδο- pseudo- pseudo, fallacious, lying and from the genus Podospermum (in turn coming from the Greek πούς, ποδός poús, podós foot, stem and from σπέρμα spérma seed: for the stipulated achenes).
The specific epithet hispanicum comes from Hispania, an ancient Latin name for Spain: from Spain, Spanish.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
The Black Salsify is an original and widespread species in an area ranging from southern Europe to southern Siberia.
In Italy it is present with three subspecies.
Its habitat is that of rocky slopes and steppe-like meadows, with optimum in the edges of mature woods, from the sub-Mediterranean to the mountain range.

Description –
Pseudopodospermum hispanicum is a glabrescent perennial herbaceous plant.
The underground part consists of a long, large tap root, dark on the outside and white on the inside. The roots are secondary.
The stem varies from 4 to 10 dm (maximum 13 dm) in height. The aerial part of the stem is erect and branchy in the distal part
The leaves, along the caule, are arranged alternately. The outline of the leaf blade is linear-spatulated; and is acute in the apical part. The lamina of the basal leaves is enlarged, while that of the upper cauline leaves is more linear and reduced. The lateral edges are crossed by a few obtuse teeth and are sometimes wavy. There may be some flaky hairs at the base of the leaves. The leaves have dimensions in width of 2 – 5 cm and in length of 20 – 35 cm (maximum 40 cm).
The inflorescences are composed of numerous flower heads. The flower heads, which open only in the evening, are formed by a cylindrical-shaped casing made up of bracts (or scales) arranged on several series within which a receptacle forms the basis of all ligulate flowers. The scales are divided into two types: lower and upper. The lower ones have an ovate-sharp shape (they are more or less aristate), have no whitish rim, are hairless, and cover the upper ones by a quarter. The receptacle, to protect the base of the flowers, is bare, that is, without straws. Dimensions of the lower scales: width 5 mm; length 7 mm. Dimensions of the upper scales: width 6 mm; length 25 mm. the size of the casing is 8 – 12 mm in width and 20 – 30 mm in length. the diameter of the flower heads is 30 – 45 mm.
The flowers are all of the ligulate type (the tubular type, the disc flowers, present in the majority of Asteraceae, are absent here), are tetra-cyclic (i.e. there are 4 verticils: calyx – corolla – androceum – gynoecium) and pentamers ( each whorl has 5 elements). The flowers are hermaphrodite and zygomorphic.
In the chalice the sepals of the chalice are reduced to a crown of scales.
The corollas are formed by a ligule ending with 5 teeth; the color is yellow; the surface can be both pubescent and hairless; the ligules are generally curved outward (radial arrangement). Corolla length: 26 – 30 mm.
In the androceum there are 5 stamens with free filaments, while the anthers are welded in a sleeve (or tube) surrounding the stylus. [18] The anthers at the base are acute. The pollen is tricolor (with 20 holes), is echinated (with spikes) and also “lophato” (the outermost part of the exine is raised in the shape of ridges and depressions).
In the gynoecium the stylus is filiform with hairs on the underside; the stigmas of the stylus are two divergent, filiform, curved with the stigmatic surface positioned internally (near the base). The ovary is inferior unilocular formed by 2 carpels.
The antesis is between (May) June and July (August).
The fruits are achenes with pappus. The achenium, narrowed at the apex, is 10 – 15 mm long. The pappus, plumed due to soft lateral projections (pappus fimbriato), is dirty-white and is about the same length as the fruit.

Cultivation –
Pseudopodospermum hispanicum is sometimes grown for the edible root.
This plant prefers loose and deep soils, well worked to remove residues, so that the roots grow freely and do not run the risk of forking. The location must be sunny. It is sown by broadcasting or in rows 35 cm apart; the seedlings are thinned out to leave 20 cm between one and the other. In summer it is necessary to water if the soil is very dry, otherwise the roots develop little. Sowing takes place in April-May. If the weather is dry, it is advisable to water the seed well or germination will be delayed.
It can also propagate by division in autumn or at the vegetative restart in spring. Larger divisions can be planted directly in their permanent locations.
The harvest begins in October.

Customs and Traditions –
The Black Salsify is a plant known since ancient Greece and currently very widespread in Western Europe; it has a very special flavor, which reminds some of oysters and others of asparagus. Among the varieties, one of the most appreciated and valuable, with a particularly pleasant flavor, is the “Giant of Russia”
The plant consists of large green leaves and yellow flowers, which resemble daisies. The edible part of the plant, however, are its roots, similar to a carrot, but dark in color: they are in fact covered with a blackish skin that is eliminated before consuming them. It is a low-calorie food but which brings many nutrients to our body, as well as being rich in therapeutic properties: it has a diuretic action, has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes proper blood circulation, also fighting cellulite and swelling, and has a low glycemic index.
Indicated for diabetics, it is useful for convalescing people thanks to the richness of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, which favors the activity of the kidneys and makes it purifying and slightly laxative.
This plant has a root rich in vitamins, in particular vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamins C and E, as well as containing important minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Thanks to the presence of inulin it is a food suitable for people suffering from diabetes and for those who are subject to weight gain, it also has a low glycemic index: therefore it avoids blood sugar peaks.
Pseudopodospermum hispanicum also has a natural diuretic action, thanks to the high presence of potassium and the low presence of sodium, helping to prevent urinary tract problems and problems related to swelling in the legs. Thanks to the iron and copper content, it promotes the improvement of circulation, also helping in the case of cellulite and improving the supply of oxygen to the tissues, even to the follicles: therefore it also benefits in case of hair loss. Potassium also helps to keep blood pressure under control, reducing the load on the cardiovascular system. It also promotes intestinal transit, thanks to the good content of dietary fiber: therefore it prevents constipation, also improving digestion. The content of vitamins C and E gives this root antioxidant properties, counteracting the action of free radicals and therefore premature aging. Thanks to minerals such as calcium and magnesium and vitamin C, it is also beneficial for the proper development of bones and for the prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis. This precious root, thanks to the contribution of vitamins and trace elements, is also considered an energy food, ideal for athletes, for the elderly and for people in convalescence.
Pseudopodospermum hispanicum has no particular contraindications, it could only have a slight laxative effect. Also there could be the possibility of individual intolerances towards this root. This is why it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming it.

Preparation Method –
The Black Salsify is a plant that, in addition to the roots, also for food purposes, the leaves and flowers are used. The roots are usually harvested at the end of the first year of growth (you can wait at most another year before they harden too much). While the leaves and young shoots are eaten in the spring in salads.
It is eaten boiled, in soups and stews, baked au gratin, breaded and fried, grated and seasoned with oil and lemon.
Before consuming the root of this plant it is advisable to remove the dark outer part with a knife or a potato peeler, and put the white pulp in water acidulated with lemon, so as not to make it black. It is recommended that you use gloves when cleaning to avoid staining your hands. If you buy tender roots, you can also eat it raw: grated and seasoned with salt, oil and lemon, or in a salad. However, it is usually cooked in a pan or boiled, boiling the roots in water and lemon for about 30 minutes. Once cooked, it can be combined with pasta and risotto, fish or red meat dishes, it is also suitable for the preparation of mashed potatoes, to be served as a hot side dish or to be used as a filling for other vegetables. It is therefore a versatile food, so we can use it in our recipes to take advantage of all its benefits.

Guido Bissanti

Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (ed.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora of Italy, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Advice and experiences with medicinal herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.

Warning: Pharmaceutical applications and alimurgical uses are indicated for informational purposes only, they do not represent in any way a medical prescription; therefore no responsibility is taken for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes.