Split-leaf lettuce
Lactuca dissecta

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 20 cm tall. It has a single stem with slender branches. The leaves clasp the stem at the base. The leaves are spoon shaped or narrow and 3-7 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. They are divided along the stalk.

There are about 20 Lactuca species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on waste areas near fields during winter. In western China it grows in grassland at about 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Sikkim, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The plant is used as a vegetable.

The leaves are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Churhia, Paywerka, Poi boti, Zarkboti

Synonyms

Chondrilla auriculata Wall. [Invalid]; Lactuca auriculata DC.;