MINER'S LETTUCE. INDIAN LETTUCE.
Montia perfoliata, Howell. Purslane Family.
Smooth, succulent herbs. Radical Leaves.—Long-petioled; broadly rhomboidal. Stems.—Simple; six to twelve inches high, having, near the summit, a pair of leaves united around the stem. Flowers.—White. Sepals.—Two. Petals.—Five, minute. Stamens.—Five. Ovary.—One-celled Style slender. Stigma three-cleft. Syn.—Claytonia perfoliata, Don. Hab.—Throughout California.
Though our Indian lettuce is closely allied to the Eastern "Spring Beauty," one would never suspect it from its outward appearance and habit. The little flower-racemes look as though they might have pushed their way right through the rather large saucer-like leaf just below them. The succulent leaves and stems are greedily eaten by the Indians, from which it is called "Indian lettuce."
Mr. Powers, of Sheridan, writes that the Placer County Indians have a novel way of preparing their salad. Gathering the stems and leaves, they lay them about the entrances of the nests of certain large red ants. These, swarming out, run all over it. After a time the Indians shake them off, satisfied that the lettuce has a pleasant sour taste equaling that imparted by vinegar. These little plants are said to be excellent when boiled and well seasoned, and they have long been grown in England, where they are highly esteemed for salads.
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