Traditional Selective Harvesting Effects on Occurrence and Reproductive Growth of Gundelia Tournfortii in Israel Grasslands

Gundelia tournfortiiis a perennial herb with a rosette and thickened root, growing in grasslands. In the Middle East, its leaf bases are used as a vegetable. Harvesting is by clipping the rosette at its base, and stripping the leaves from the leaf bases. In the last 20 years clipping and gathering has become more widespread, and a commercial trade has developed. The aim of this study was to discover whether, as a result of the rise in demand, the density and distribution potential of this edible plant are liable to come under threat. The percentage of flowering plants in the non-harvested areas was found to be significantly higher than that in the harvested areas. As a result the Nature Reserves Authority has adopted our recommendation to regard this plant as a protected species.