Conopodium

/ˌkɒnəˈpoʊdiəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of plants in the carrot family, including the pignut, which produces small edible tubers.

Etymology

From Greek 'konos' (cone) + 'podion' (little foot), referring to the cone-shaped roots or the plant's structure. Named in scientific taxonomy in the 18th century to describe the distinctive shape of the plant's underground parts.

Kelly Says

Pignuts from conopodium were actually dug up and eaten by medieval children and poor people in Europe—it's a wild plant with a centuries-old 'snack food' history that modern foragers are rediscovering.

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