Overview
Gundelia tournefortii L., also known as the acaulescent or edible thistle, is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Common Names
The plant goes by several common names, including gundelia, akkoub, akkoub aswad, and akkoub el baydha.
Appearance
Gundelia tournefortii L. is a perennial plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. It has thorny stems and leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The flowers form on the ends of the stems and are small and yellowish. The plant produces a spherical fruiting head which contains many small seeds encased in a spiny, woody husk.
Uses
Gundelia tournefortii L. has various culinary and medicinal uses. The young and tender shoots of the plant are consumed as a vegetable, usually boiled or fried. The fruiting head, which is referred to as 'akkoub', is pickled and used as a condiment or salad ingredient. Additionally, the seeds contain a high percentage of oil and are used in traditional medicine as a laxative and diuretic.
Light Requirements
Gundelia tournefortii L. is adapted to grow in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires ample sunlight exposure to stimulate the process of photosynthesis and support plant growth. However, too much direct light can cause stress and reduce the growth rate. Therefore, it is suggested to place the plant in a location that receives moderate sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Gundelia tournefortii L. is a hardy plant and can adapt to varied temperature ranges. However, it requires a warm and sunny climate to thrive. The ideal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 18°C to 35°C, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C. Extreme frosts and heatwaves are not suitable for the plant, and it may die if exposed to such conditions for a prolonged period.
Soil Requirements
Gundelia tournefortii L. prefers to grow in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The plant can tolerate various types of soils; however, it does best in loamy, sandy, or gravelly soils. The soil should be nutrient-rich and adequately aerated to ensure proper root development. The plant also requires regular watering, but the soil should not be water-logged as it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Gundelia tournefortii L., commonly known as Turkish thistle, is a perennial plant that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and is widely grown in Israel. It grows well in hot, dry climates and is adaptable to different soil types, including loam, sand, and clay.
The best time to plant Gundelia tournefortii is in the spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them about 12-24 inches apart. The plant prefers full sun and requires good air circulation for healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Gundelia tournefortii is drought tolerant and can survive long periods of hot, dry weather. However, it needs regular watering during the first few weeks after planting to help the roots establish and to promote healthy growth. Once established, the plant requires moderate watering every 2-3 weeks or as needed.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. A good way to check soil moisture is to insert a finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels moist, wait to water until it feels dry at that depth.
Fertilization
Gundelia tournefortii does not require heavy fertilization and can grow well in poor soils. However, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer, once in the spring and another in mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning
Gundelia tournefortii does not require heavy pruning but benefits from occasional grooming to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Prune the plant back by one-third of its height in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to emerge.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches throughout the growing season to maintain good plant health. Avoid pruning the plant heavily in the fall or winter as this can stimulate tender new growth that can be damaged by frost.
Propagation of Gundelia tournefortii L.
Gundelia tournefortii L., commonly known as the "gundelia," "akkoub," or "?????" is a spiny thistle native to the Mediterranean region. Propagation of this plant is generally done through seeds, although vegetative propagation can also be used in some cases.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the gundelia plant can be collected from the dried flower heads that have matured and turned brown. The seeds are usually black and small, with a papery surface. Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified or treated with acid to enhance germination. Seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in seedling trays filled with a well-draining mix of soil and organic matter. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 20-25°C. Germination can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of gundelia can be done through root cuttings or rhizome division. However, this method is less common than seed propagation. Root cuttings should be taken in early spring or late autumn. Select a healthy-looking root and cut it into 10-12 cm segments. These cuttings should be planted in a well-draining mix of soil and sand. Rhizome division is done by dividing the underground stems into smaller sections and replanting them. This method can be used to propagate plants that have already established a good root system.
Overall, gundelia tournefortii L. can be propagated successfully through both seed and vegetative methods. The choice of the propagation method will depend on various factors such as the availability of the plant material, time of the year, and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Gundelia tournefortii L. is prone to various diseases that may reduce its productivity or even cause plant death. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and possible ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown to black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Gundelia tournefortii L. Infected leaves may curl, wilt, and eventually fall off. To manage anthracnose, keep the plants well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering, which may spread the disease. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent or control anthracnose.
Root Rot
Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by various fungi that thrive in wet conditions, leading to the decay of the plant's roots. Symptoms of root rot in Gundelia tournefortii L. may include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering or poorly-drained soil. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil with good air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to control root rot.
Pest Management
Gundelia tournefortii L. can be affected by a variety of pests that may damage the plant, reduce its productivity, or even cause plant death. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and possible ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that may cause yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew secretion. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a forceful jet of water to knock them off, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which may harm beneficial insects.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, stippling, and dropping of leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and well-fed, and avoid over-fertilizing or exposing the plant to hot and dry conditions. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites, or release predatory mites to eat them.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant's stem, causing wilting, bending, or breakage. To manage cutworms, use cardboard collars or other barriers around the plant's stem to prevent the larvae from reaching the plant. You can also handpick the cutworms or use bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control them.
