Valerianella locusta (PROSEA)

Plant Resources of South-East Asia Introduction

List of species

Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterrade

Family: Valerianaceae

Synonyms

• Valerianella olitoria (L.) Pollich.

Vernacular names

• Corn salad, lamb's lettuce (En)
• Mâche (Fr).

Distribution

Native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Occasionally also cultivated, mainly in temperate countries. On trial in Papua New Guinea.

Uses

The whole plant is used in salads.

Observations

• Annual, somewhat succulent herb, 7-25 cm tall.
• Leaves spathulate to lanceolate-oblong.

In the tropics it can be cultivated at higher altitudes. Propagation by seed. Whole plants are harvested when having 8-12 leaves, before the stem develops.

Selected sources

20, 43, 50.