Watercress
History, Folklore
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History |
Anglo Saxons distinguished it as ea-cerse or wille-cerse, and conquered as a favourite more rapidly than common sea kale. Phillip Milner gave directions for propagating watercress in early editions of 'Gardener's Dictionary' and spoke of it as a salad and effective against scurvy. Commercial production began in 1808, in Kent then London, which lead to its widespread distribution in wild. Cultivators knew of 3 types which had to wait a long time for botanical recognition, and were known by many scientific names. |
Folklore |
Often Mentioned with delight in early 12th century Irish poems. |
Collated by James M. Burton as part of H.N.D. course at Pencoed
Agricultural College. Taxanomical information correct as of 06:06:97.