Tragopogon porrifolius - Salsify - (Asteraceae)

The roots of this plant are tuberous and can be eaten, as can the young green shoots.

Salsify

Salsify, which blooms from the end of March until the beginning of June, is found in the Mediterranean region although, curiously, not in Portugal.

Tragopogon porrifolius

This plant can be found on roadsides and in abandoned farmland. After it has finished flowering it produces a large, round seed head and so is still easily recognisable.

The plants shown on this page were photographed in Crete in early April.