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Uses

Toxic parts

The Japanese radishes have higher concentrations of glucosinolate, a substance that acts against the thyroid gland. It is probably best to remove the skin[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves - raw or cooked[2][3][4][5]. A somewhat hot taste, and the texture is somewhat coarse[K]. As long as they are young, they make an acceptable addition in small quantities to chopped salads and are a reasonable cooked green[K]. A nutritional analysis is available[6].

Young flower clusters - raw or cooked[5]. A spicy flavour with a crisp pleasant texture, they make a nice addition to salads or can be used as a broccoli substitute[9, K]. Seeds - raw. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 6 days[7]. They have a hot spicy flavour and go well in salads[5][7]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[8][5].

Young seedpods - raw[8][2][3][4]. Crisp and juicy with a mildly hot flavour[K]. They must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous[5].

Flowers

Leaves

Unknown part

Oil

Seedpod

Material uses

The growing plant repels beetles from tomatoes and cucumbers[9][10]. It is also useful for repelling various other insect pests such as carrot root fly[10]. There is a fodder variety that grows more vigorously and is used as a green manure[11].
There are no material uses listed for Raphanus sativus oleiformis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Radishes have long been grown as a food crop, but they also have various medicinal actions. The roots stimulate the appetite and digestion, having a tonic and laxative effect upon the intestines and indirectly stimulating the flow of bile[12]. Consuming radish generally results in improved digestion, but some people are sensitive to its acridity and robust action[12].

The plant is used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, though the part of the plant used is not specified[13]. The leaves, seeds and old roots are used in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints[6]. The juice of the fresh leaves is diuretic and laxative[14]. The seed is carminative, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[15][6][14]. It is taken internally in the treatment of indigestion, abdominal bloating, wind, acid regurgitation, diarrhoea and bronchitis[16]. The root is antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue, digestive and diuretic[17][6]. It is crushed and used as a poultice for burns, bruises and smelly feet[6]. Radishes are also an excellent food remedy for stone, gravel and scorbutic conditions[18]. The root is best harvested before the plant flowers[17]. Its use is not recommended if the stomach or intestines are inflamed[17].

The plant contains raphanin, which is antibacterial and antifungal[6][16]. It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, streptococci, Pneumococci etc[15]. The plant also shows anti-tumour activity[6].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

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



Cultivation

Prefers a rich soil with ample moisture[19][3]. Dislikes very heavy or acid soils[19][2]. Plants are susceptible to drought and require irrigation during dry spells in the summer or the root quality will rapidly deteriorate and the plant will go to seed.

Fodder radishes are grown mainly for their leaves and oil-rich seeds, they are used as a green manure or stock feed though they can also be eaten by people. The roots of these plants soon become fibrous, though they make acceptable eating when young.

Radishes are a good companion plant for lettuces, nasturtiums, peas and chervil, tomatoes and cucumbers[20][9]. They are said to repel cucumber beetles if planted near cucumber plants and they also repel the vine borers which attack squashes, marrows and courgettes[16]. They grow badly with hyssop[20][9] and with grape vines[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Raphanus sativus oleiformis. 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 Raphanus sativus oleiformis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Raphanus sativus oleiformis
Genus
Raphanus
Family
Brassicaceae
Imported References
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
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987. ()
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 RHS. The Garden. Volume 111. Royal Horticultural Society (1986-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.8 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Woodward. L. Burge. P. Green Manures. Elm Farm Research Centre. (1982-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Simons. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-050-0 (1977-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.1 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    21. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)