ROOT AND ALLIED CROPS 309 



The soil and climatic requirements, cultural treatment, 

 and U8es of this crop, are identical with those of rape. 



8.— KOHL EABI. 



" The stem is short, much thickened, fleshy, and stands 

 out of the ground. The fleshy part comes from the stem 

 above the cotyledons, hence is not root. The swelling begins 

 at the ground line; there is formed a large spherical body, 

 upon which are very prominent broad leaf scars — white and 

 purple ' balls ' are formed."^ 



It is a crop grown under the same climatic and soil con- 

 ditions as rape, and is utilised in the same way; when soiled, 

 the " ball " should be sliced. 



The composition is similar to that of mangels, but the 

 yield is very much less. If stored, the leaves should be re- 

 moved first. 



9.— CAEKOT. 



Sometimes grown as a field crop for horses. Must be 

 grown under irrigation in the Union. It requires a deep, 

 somewhat sandy, and productive soil. Usually drilled in 

 rows 2 feet 6 inches apart ; three to six pounds of seed are 

 required per acre; planted in March and April. 



10.— JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. 



This is a native of North America. It is a tall, robust 

 growing plant, reaching a height of six to twelve feet, and 

 in appearance resembles the smaller varieties of sunflower. 

 It produces a large cluster of rhizomes or tubers of special 

 value to pigs, but often used for culinary purposes. The 

 tubers may be red, white, or yellow. It makes its growth 

 in summer. It is a persistent crop w^hen once established 

 and, if grown in suitable soil, is difficult to eradicate ; it is 

 wise, therefore, to set aside a field for artichokes permanently. 

 Enough tubers, as a rule, are left in the ground each year to 

 continue the crop. Waste places or fields difficult for ordinary 

 cultivation may be profitably utilised by growing artichokes. 

 (The Globe Artichoke, Cynara scnlymus, is very different in 

 appearance, but also belongs to the GompositcB. The thick 

 receptacle, together with the fleshy bases of the scales of the 

 involucre, is used as a vegetable. Its use as a stock food in 

 the Karroo is advocated by some.) 



