Launaea nudicaulis
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It is short and hairless. It can be 20-60 cm tall. It can complete its life cycle in 2 years or keep growing for several years. The leaves are mostly in the lower half of the stem. They are oblong with leaflets along the stalk. The segments are narrow. The edges of the leaves have tiny white spines. The flower heads are yellow and 20-26 mm across. The achenes are 3-4 mm along.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean plant. Bombay. It grows on dry salty soils. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the Sahara.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Bahrain, Benin, Cape Verde, Egypt, Europe, India, Israel, Libya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, North Africa, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Southern Africa, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa
How it is used for food
The young leaves at the base are eaten in curries and also as salads. They are also used for a cooling drink.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Akria, Ban, Batthal, Dudhlak, Gherrimet lahmar, Gobi, Hawa, Hindabah, Huwah al ghazal, Huwah, Jangli gobi, Lgherrima, Naked Launaea, Pathari, Patri, Pico pajaro, Safara