While romaine lettuce (‘Willow’ being a specific cultivar) is now grown worldwide, its origins trace back to the **Mediterranean region** and the **Near East**.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

* **General Lactuca sativa Origin:** *Lactuca sativa* (the species for all lettuce types) is believed to have originated in the **eastern Mediterranean region and the Near East**. It was likely domesticated from a wild relative in that area.

* **Romaine’s Specific Development:** Romaine lettuce, in particular, is thought to have developed somewhere in the **eastern Mediterranean**, possibly on the **Greek island of Cos** (where it was once known as Cos lettuce).

* **’Willow’ Cultivar:** The ‘Willow’ cultivar is a modern variety. While bred in specific locations, its genetic lineage still ties back to the general Mediterranean/Near East origin of romaine lettuce. Therefore, the ‘Willow’ cultivar inherits the same geographical origins as the species itself.

Therefore, the answer is the **Mediterranean region and Near East**.

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