''Lactuca inermis'' is a species of
wild lettuce
Wild lettuce is a common name for several lactucarium-containing plants related to lettuce (''Lactuca sativa''). The name most often refers to ''Lactuca virosa'' (Europe, Asia, introduced to North America), though it may also refer to:
* ''Lactuc ...
native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian peninsula.
A pioneer species often found in disturbed areas, it is of variable height, from very short (5cm) to quite tall (240cm) and woody. Local people consume its young leaves, perhaps with a light boiling, as a salad green or vegetable.
Varieties
Two varieties are currently accepted:
*''Lactuca inermis'' var. ''inermis''
*''Lactuca inermis'' var. ''myriocephala''
(Dethier) Lawalrée
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q12210491
inermis
Plants described in 1775