CGN leafy vegetables collection
Leafy vegetables are a highly variable group of crop plants that can broadly be defined as vegetables grown for their edible leaves. However, the distinction between leafy and non-leafy crops is not always clear.
The ECPGR discussed during the vegetables network meeting in Portugal in 2000 (Lebeda and Boukema, 2001) which crops should be considered leafy vegetables. This resulted in an overview of crops consisting of the following genera: Asparagus, Atriplex, Chenopodium, Chrysanthemum, Cichorium, Cynara, Diplotaxis, Eruca, Lactuca, Lepidium, Portulaca, Rheum, Rumex, Spinacia, Taraxacum, Tetragonia and Valerianella.
Lactuca spp. (lettuce) and Spinacia spp. (spinach) are the main leafy vegetable collections maintained at CGN. Additionally, CGN has further expanded the leafy vegetables collection with Valerianella spp. (lamb’s lettuce or corn salad) and Cichorium spp. (endive and chicory). Accessions of Eruca (rocket salad) are included in the collection of crucifers.