Valerian family
Description
A family of mainly herbs (Valerianaceae 1) occurring widely, except in Australia and with its largest diversity in the Andean region in South America.
The leaves are opposite or arising from the base of the stem, often pinnate. The small irregular flowers are borne in a cyme or in an umbel-like head, the calyx much reduced, the corolla funnel-shaped, usually with 5 lobes. There are 1-4 stamens, attached to the corolla, and an inferior ovary. The fruit is a dry indehiscent nut.
There are about 15 genera.
Use
The genus Valeriana has medicinal uses, Valerianella provides the leaf vegetable corn lettuce.
Described species
Valerianella locusta, corn lettuce