Tsukushi (tsukushi - 土筆)

Tsukishi (horse tail) is a plant considered as a living fossil as it's been on earth for over a hundred million years. This plant reproduces itself by spores rather than seeds. When fully grown it has a 'tube brush' look wich explains it's western name 'horse tail'.

Japanese pick up the tsukishi in early spring when they are very young. It's a spring delicacy which is often cooked with soy and sugar and added on top of the rice.