Shungiku

Shungiku

Scientific Name:
Glebionis coronaria

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 15)
• Default (ID: 68)
• Default (ID: 61)

Introduction

Glebionis coronaria, commonly known as Shungiku or Crown Daisy, is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated and naturalized in various parts of the world, including East Asia and North America. This plant is valued for its edible leaves and stems, which are used in numerous cuisines, particularly in Asian cooking. Its ornamental value also makes it a popular choice for gardens.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: The plant grows between 20 to 60 cm tall and is hairless. It features oblong, pinnately compound leaves and produces small flower heads with yellow and white ray florets, typically blooming from April to May.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in mild or slightly cold climates but can bolt into premature flowering in warm conditions. Seeds are typically sown in early spring or fall.
• Lifecycle: As an annual, it completes its lifecycle within a year, germinating, growing, flowering, and producing seeds before dying off.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Glebionis coronaria could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including high levels of vitamin K and manganese, making it a nutritious addition to space diets. - Low Maintenance: As an annual with a relatively simple growth requirement, it could be easily managed in controlled environments like those found in space habitats. - Adaptability: Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions might allow it to adapt well to the unique environments of space-based agricultural systems.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Glebionis coronaria in space. However, its characteristics make it a potential candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on providing sustainable food sources in extraterrestrial environments.