Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as sunroot, earth apple or topinambour, is a type of root vegetable that is native to North America. Although it is called Jerusalem artichoke, it is not a type of artichoke and has no relation to the city of Jerusalem. The name is believed to have derived from the Italian word for sunflower, "Girasole", which was then corrupted to "Jerusalem" by English speakers. The term "earth apple" comes from its texture and sweet, apple-like flavor, while "topinambour" refers to its popularity in France as a foodsource during the 17th century when it was brought over from the Americas.