Flax-leaf fleabane
Erigeron bonariensis

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A robust herb. It is erect and grows from seed each year. The stems are hairy. They are 1 m long. The leaves are alternate and grey green. They are narrow and have small hairs. There can be fine teeth along the edge. The flowers are a the top and in pales yellow flower heads. The fruit are oblong. They have pale brown bristles.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in waste ground. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in areas with a marked dry season. It is often on stony and sandy land. It can grow early on larva flows. It can grow in deserts. It grows between 5-2,850 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Azores, Balkans, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Canary Island, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Easter Island, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Ghana, Greece, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Marquesas, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Paraguay, Polynesia, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Spain, St Helena, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Buar-zen, Buva, Capicoba, Carnicera, Coniza, Erva-lanceta, Hierba de caballo, Horseweed, Mbuy, Mozweze, Pascueta, Rabo-de-foguete, Rama negra, Ventogne, Vira vira, Voadeira, Yerba carnicera, Yerba de la vida

Synonyms

Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist; Conyza floribunda Kunth; Coyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. Walker; Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. Walker var. floribunda (Kunth) J. B. Marshall; Erigeron linifolius Willd.; Erigeron sumatrensis Retz.; and many others