| Lapsana communis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Lapsana L. |
| Species: | L. communis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lapsana communis L. |
|
Lapsana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, containing a single species, Lapsana communis (Nipplewort). It is native to Europe and northern Asia.
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It is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant growing to 1-1.2 m tall, with hairy stems and clear (not milky) sap. The leaves are spirally arranged; larger leaves at the base of the flowering stem are often pinnate, with a large oval terminal leaflet and one to four small side leaflets, while smaller leaves higher on the stem are simple oval; all leaves have a toothed margin. The flowers are yellow, produced in a capitulum 1-2 cm diameter, the capitula being numerous in loose clusters at the top of the stem.[1][2]
Six subspecies are generally recognized:[3][4][1]
In the past, a number of other species were included in the genus; these species are now treated in the genera Crepis and Lapsanastrum.[5][6]
The young leaves are edible, and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.[7] The scientific name comes from Lapsane, an edible herb described by Marcus Terentius Varro of ancient Rome. The English name 'Nipplewort' derives from its closed flower buds, which resemble nipples. Because of its resemblance to nipples, under the doctrine of signatures it was once used as treatment for breast ulcers.[8]
Away from its native area, Lapsana communis is naturalised, and sometimes considered an invasive species, in many areas around the world, including Australia,[9] Chile,[10] New Zealand,[11] Greenland,[12] and most of North America.[12]