Wight's sow-thistle
Sonchus wightianus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows to 1 m high. The lower leaves form a ring and are deeply lobed. The lobes have a sharp tip. They also have short spines and teeth. The upper leaves are smaller. They are oblong and spoon shaped. The flower heads are yellow. The fruit is dry and oblong. They often have 5 ribs.

There are about 60 Sonchus species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and subtropical places. In Nepal it grows between 600-2500 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Young leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. They are boiled. It is also used for making salt. They are also made into tea.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea, rhizome, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ban rayo, Gasigun nogug-a, Qu ma cai, Thumbai, Tiankucai, Tite sag, Tlangnal-shak

Synonyms

Sonchus arvensis L.;