This is a chunkier version of black salsify that grows as a biennial/perennial - it tends to flower in the second year, but can keep growing even after flowering, with the root getting fatter and remaining tender. Its large purple flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon are beautiful! Like black salsify, the roots, shoots and flower buds can all be eaten, the latter two tasting a little like asparagus and the roots having a slight taste of oysters. They are a very old vegetable, rarely available in the shops, very easy to grow and well worth it too, even if just for their gorgeous flowers.