Chinese Artichoke

Crosnes (Stachys affinis) is a hardy perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that grows to around 30–45 cm tall and spreads 30–60 cm. It prefers full sun to light shade and thrives in loose, fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. This clumping plant is best known for its curious, spiralled white tubers, harvested in autumn–winter. Crosnes is mainly grown as a Culinary Herb/Vegetable, valued for its nutty, artichoke-like flavour and crisp texture. It also holds cottage-garden appeal with its mint-like leaves and small purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. In New Zealand, it is hardy, tolerating frosts well, but tubers should be harvested or mulched to avoid rot in heavy winter soils.