Lesser Cornsalad
Valerianella discoides
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
A short annual herb. It is usually without hairs. The stem is simple or can be branched from the base. The leaves are narrow and spoon shaped. The middle leaves have some teeth. The upper leaves are more narrow and lobed towards the base. The bracts are oval with a thin hairy edge. The flowers are pale mauve to blue. The fruit are 1.5-2 mm long. They have calyx lobes attached. The calyx cup is hairy inside.
Also put in the family Valerianaceae.
Where it is found
It grows on fallow land and rocky hillslopes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves of young plants are eaten with bread and salt or in soups. They are rarely used in salads. They have a bitter taste.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Djemir, Harra, Héliouat, Ibrat-n-tekouk, Khedana, Thioiunas