Chitlangi, Shaggy quickweed, Peruvian daisy
Galinsoga quadriradiata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows to about 75 cm high. The leaves are wedge shaped with teeth along the edge. They are hairy on both surfaces. They taper to the base. The flower heads are yellow. The fruit is dry and one seeded.

There are about 14 Galinsoga species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and tropical places. In Nepal it grows to about 2500 m altitude. It grows in moist, open places. In Argentina it grows between 900-3,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominica, East Africa, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Taiwan, Tajikistan, USA, Worldwide

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also eaten in salads. They are also added to potato soup.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Baytena, Guaria, Jhuse chitlange, Olla nueva, Picao-branco, Salugjang, Tsiboloka

Synonyms

Adventina ciliata Rafinesque; Galinsoga ciliata (Refinesque) Blake; Galinsoga urticifolia (Kunth) Spreng.; and several others