Lactuca L.

Annual to perennial taprooted or rhizomatous herbs. Hairs bristly, spinous, or 0. Stems usually branching above. Lvs basal and cauline, pinnatifid to entire. Infl. a diffuse panicle, or spicate with capitula sessile in axillary clusters. Involucral bracts glabrous; outer bracts small; inner bracts becoming larger, not in distinct rows. Receptacle pitted, without scales or hairs. Corolla ligulate, yellow. Achenes pale or dark, 5–35, flattened, usually ribbed; beak paler than achene or concolorous; pappus bristles in 2 rows of equal length, white, > achene body, simple, free to base.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]