Unknown Rhizome

[HamishD]

A client of mine has a plant with a black rhizome, white interior with black ‘smiley face’ running through it. Nodes every 6”. Doesn’t know which plant it is from so only has the rhizome to ID. He was concerned it is Japanese knotweed but it is not. South East England. Any ideas?

 

[Tetters]

Hi Hamish, welcome to the forums. I think you're right, it's not the dreaded knotweed. I wonder if it could be black salsify?

 

[HamishD]

Hi Hamish, welcome to the forums. I think you're right, it's not the dreaded knotweed. I wonder if it could be black salsify?

Thanks, it does look similar but the black running through it is quite distinctive. Also it definitely appears to be a rhizome.

 

[Tetters]

Some ferns have black rhizomes, maybe we could find it among those? What is the garden like that this is found in - maybe a cool shady one?

 

[HamishD]

Some ferns have black rhizomes, maybe we could find it among those? What is the garden like that this is found in - maybe a cool shady one?

Ah ha! You’re right I think it might be bracken. Thank you!