Chaerophyllum byzantinum Boiss. and Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don—recently introduced from Turkish wild flora as new crop species among other interesting findings from immigrant gardens in western Germany

Abstract

In western Germany, typical gardens of immigrant families were visited and periodically checked regarding their plant composition and cultivation techniques. A preliminary inventory of the cultivated plants of the Langenberg region south of Bonn is given. Chaerophyllum byzantinum Boiss. and Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don as new crops, recently introduced from the wild flora of Turkey, and their utilization are shortly described. Most gardening immigrants originate from farmers’ families and introduce local knowledge from their native countries. Personal preferences to familiar or local varieties made them transfer the respective seeds or plants and in some cases even wild plants to their new settling areas. Vicinity to German or immigrant gardeners from other nationalities allowed for exchange of seed and experience. This way, German gardens became centers of increasing diversity for horticultural crops within the past few decades.