Green peppercress
Lepidium oxytrichum
Family: Brassicaceae
What it is like
A cabbage family herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 5-50 cm high and spreads 10-30 cm wide. It often has purple tinges near maturity. The stems have slightly prickly hairs. The leaves vary. The leaves near the base are 10 cm long and divided along the stalk. Leaves on the stem are smaller and simple. They can clasp the stem. There are teeth along the edge. The flowering stalks are elongated. The flowers are very small and lack petals. There are usually 4 stamens. The fruit is dry and long with 2 sections. It is about 0.5 cm long by 0.4 cm wide. There are wings on the upper half and it has prickly hairs.
There are about 150 Lepidium species.
Where it is found
It grows in subtropical and warm temperate locations. It grows in semi-arid and arid areas. It needs a sunny location and well drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The stems are leaves are steamed and eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Unmuta