Here's an interesting article about origin of many seeds we grow in So. Calif: =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Wildflowers of Israel
by Leslie Berliant, Contributing Writer
Lupinus Mountain Blue. Below: Ammi Visnaga. Photos courtesy SeedCount
Enter any Trader Joe=92s grocery store in Southern California and you are likely to find vibrant sunflowers with golden orange leaves and a dark center among the bouquets and potted plants. What many customers might not realize is that the sunflower being sold is called Jerusalem Gold, which is grown in Santa Barbara from a seed native to Israel.
Many of the cucumbers, bell peppers, basil and tomatoes grown in Southern California also come from Israeli seeds. Even some vegetables and herbs imported from places like Mexico come from seeds that originate in Israel.
Israeli agriculture has had a big impact around the world, even if few people know about it. And that is true in Southern California, too, where a Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for flora from the Jewish state.
(rest of article with pictures at
Hypatia