Helianthus tuberosus originally known as Jerusalem artichoke is native to eastern United States. Historically it was known by Native Americans in many parts of Eastern North America, particularly in the Mississippi watershed, long before the European invasion of North America. Its popularity in modern America has increased in recent years due to its nutritional values. It was first introduced in Europe in 1610 according to Wikipedia and is referred to in many European languages as topinambur. The common name Jerusalem artichoke widely used in US was confusing and indefinable. The etymology of the current names also led to confusion. In late 1900s it appeared in California markets under the name of sunchoke. The word choke brought to mind the well-known thistle artichoke. Since there is a high level of ambiguity in the present common name we are suggesting a much more reasonable word for the common name: sun tuber. This name would be the most appropriate because the plant is a sunflower and the portion that is used is a tuber (not a root) and it will be consistent with its scientific name.
