[Gallant Soldier (from Galinsoga), Quickweed, Potato Weed (UK, USA);
Guasca (Colombia); Mielcilla (Costa Rica); Piojito (Oaxaca, Mexico);
Galinsoga (New Zealand); Mwamuna aligone (Malawi):
Galinsoga parviflora]
Native to South America, this multi-branched annual herb grows to about 30 inches tall. It first escaped from Kew Gardens in England, infesting the British Isles, and has since spread to North America, Australasia, Africa, and other regions, but Antarctica is still Guasca free.
This plant is best known for being a flavoring in the Ajiáco Soup of Colombia. It can be used in fresh salads, but it's flavor is more pronounced after cooking. In East Africa, where leaves, stems, and flowers are eaten, it is gathered in the wild. It is also used dried and ground in soups.
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