Hypochaeris chillensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hypochaeris chillensis |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hypochaeris
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| Species: |
chillensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Synonymy
Apargia chillensis Kunth 1818
Achyrophorus selloi Sch.Bip. Hypochaeris brasiliensis (Less.) Griseb. Leontodon chilense (Kunth) DC. Seriola brasiliensis (Less.) Less. Porcellites brasiliensis Less. Hypochaeris chilensis (Kunth) Britton Achyrophorus chillensis (Kunth) Sch. Bip. Hypochoeris chillensis (Kunth) Hieron. Leontodon chillense (Kunth) DC. |
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Hypochaeris chillensis, also known as Brazilian cat's ear, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers.
This plant originally comes from South America. You can find it in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. It has also spread and now grows naturally in parts of North America, South Africa, and Taiwan. In the southeastern United States, it is a very common plant.
Hypochaeris chillensis is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows a strong main root called a taproot. Its leaves grow in a circle close to the ground, forming a "basal rosette." The plant also sends up one or more thin stems. These stems can grow between 20 and 60 centimeters (about 8 to 24 inches) tall.
The leaves are usually 5 to 25 centimeters (about 2 to 10 inches) long. They can be smooth or have small lobes. At the top of the thin stems, you'll find small, golden yellow flower heads. These flower heads are typically about 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) across.
What is it Used For?
People use Hypochaeris chillensis in different ways.
Food and Medicine
In Brazil, this plant is used as a medicinal plant. This means it is used to help treat illnesses or keep people healthy. Both the leaves and the roots of the plant are edible. You can eat them raw or cooked.
For example, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, people often eat the raw leaves. They add them to green salads, just like lettuce!
Images for kids
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The leaves of the Brazilian cat's ear plant.
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The seeds of the Brazilian cat's ear.
