Galinsoga parviflora

The plant, Galinsoga parviflora (syn. Tridax parviflora) belongs in the same family as Stevia, namely the Asteraceae family. It is known by various names including gallant soldier (Western name), guasca (Colombia), mielcilla (Costa Rica), galinsoga (NZ), and potato weed. It is indigenous to South America especially the Andes regions.

It is generally regarded as a weed in most countries but does have some culinary benefits as well as a few herbal properties. In Colombia, it is used as a spice in a soup known as Ajiaco and in salads as a leaf green. It was brought to Kew Gardens in 1796 from Peru where it later escaped into gardens.

The name Galinsoga comes from the mid-eighteenth century Spanish botanist and physician, Ignacio Mariano Martínez Galinsoga. The English name ‘Gallant Soldier’ is a corruption of this name. Other English names for the plant include ‘Gallant Soldiers’, ‘Soldiers of the Queen’, ‘Littleflower’ and quickweed. The latin species name parviflora refers to the very small flowers. It grows happily in greenhouses and is generally highly prolific unless kept under strict control.