Launaea aspleniifolia

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows to 40 cm high. The leaves near the base are deeply lobed like fingers on a hand. The flower heads are yellow. The fruit is a dry fruit with angles and ribs along it.

There are 55 Launaea species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows up to 1500 m altitude. It grows in open places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Birmalla, Dudhe jhar, Tik-chana, Titlia

Synonyms

Prenanthes aspleniifolia Willd.; Microrhynchus asplenifolius (Willd.) DC;