Cynara cardunculus
Sunroot, earth apple, toplnambour, Jerusalem artichoke, Canada portato, French potato
Very commonly referred to as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes are a species of sunflower that is native to North America. Sunchokes typically grow anywhere from 4-9 ft high and were introduced to Europe in the 1600s by Native Americans in Cape Cod.
The eaten part is the underground tuber which bears some resemblance to a potato.
While not the most aesthetically pleasing vegetable sunchokes have a sweet and nutty flavor and can be eaten both raw and cooked.