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Uses

Toxic parts

The oil contained in the seed of this species is rich in erucic acid which is toxic. However, modern cultivars have been selected which are almost free of erucic acid.

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[1][2][3][4]. Used when up to 30cm tall[5]. A mild and pleasant cabbage flavour[K], the young growth can be cut finely and used in mixed salads, whilst older leaves are cooked like cabbage leaves[5].

Immature flowering stems - cooked. Used like broccoli[5], they make a nice vegetable[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[5]. Oil from the wild species is high in erucic acid, which is toxic[4], though there are some cultivars that contain very little erucic acid and can be used as food[K].

The seed can also be crushed and used as a condiment[6].

Unknown part

Flowers

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Brassica carinata.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Brassica carinata.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in succession from March to early September. The seed can also be sown under cloches in February when it will yield a crop in May.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Brassica carinata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[6]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil[2].

This species is very tolerant of a wide range of climatic conditions but it prefers a range of 15 - 20°c in the day with a diurnal range of 5 - 6°c and moderate rainfall[6].

Cultivated for its edible leaves in some areas, plants that are given some protection from the cold can supply edible leaves all through the winter[2]. There are some named varieties. 'Texsel' is especially good for temperate climates, it is fast growing even at relatively low temperatures[4][6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Brassica carinata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Brassica carinata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Brassica carinata
Genus
Brassica
Family
Brassicaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    1 x meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Carruthers. S. P. (Editor) Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading ISBN 0704909820 (1986-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)