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Raphanus sativus niger
  • Oriental Radish

an annual member of the Raphanus genus in the family Brassicaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Green manure
    Green manure
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • ?
    Unknown
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Raphanus sativus niger has 0 edible uses listed
Raphanus sativus niger has 0 material uses listed
Raphanus sativus niger has 0 medicinal uses listed

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]. 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]. Root - raw or cooked[8][2][3]. Large, crisp and juicy, many varieties have a hot and spicy flavour, though there are also many of the Oriental forms with much milder flavours. They can be sliced and eaten in salads or can be cooked in soups etc. The roots store well and can be either harvested in early winter for storage or be harvested as required through the winter[K].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[8][5].

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Unknown part

Oil

Root

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Seedpod

Unknown use

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].

Unknown part

Repellent

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].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiscorbutic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Cancer
Carminative
Cholagogue
Digestive
Diuretic
Expectorant
Laxative
Poultice
Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Green manure

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow outdoors in situ from spring to late summer. Most cultivars are best sown in late summer in order to provide a crop in the winter and early spring, though there are several cultivars that can be successfully sown in the spring to provide a summer and autumn crop.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Raphanus sativus niger. 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]. Some of the Oriental radish cultivars have been selected for growing in clay soils, the swollen part of the root is formed on the soil surface[20]. 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.

The Oriental and winter radishes are often cultivated for their large edible roots, which can be available from mid summer and all through the winter. There are many named varieties. The plants are very winter hardy and can normally be left in the ground all winter to be harvested as required, though slugs might cause some damage to the roots.

Radishes are a good companion plant for lettuces, nasturtiums, peas and chervil, tomatoes and cucumbers[21][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[21][9] and with grape vines[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

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

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 niger
Genus
Raphanus
Family
Brassicaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Medicinal uses
[12][13][6][14][15][16][17][18]
Material uses & Functions
[9][10][11]
Botanic
[22]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Green manure
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
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
    annual
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    0.45 x 0.2 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Bees, Flies
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite











    References

    1. ? Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987. ()
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 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. ? 8.08.18.28.3 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. ? Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray ISBN 0-7195-4781-4 (1991-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    22. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)


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    Facts about "Raphanus sativus niger"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyBrassicaceae +
    Belongs to genusRaphanus +
    Functions asGreen manure +
    Has binomial nameRaphanus sativus niger +
    Has common nameOriental Radish +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFlowers +, Leaves +, Unknown part +, Root +, Seed + and Seedpod +
    Has edible useUnknown use + and Oil +
    Has fertility typeBees + and Flies +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateVigorous +
    Has lifecycle typeAnnual +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useRepellent +
    Has mature height0.45 +
    Has mature width0.2 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnthelmintic +, Antibacterial +, Antifungal +, Antiscorbutic +, Antispasmodic +, Astringent +, Cancer +, Carminative +, Cholagogue +, Digestive +, Diuretic +, Expectorant +, Laxative +, Poultice + and Stomachic +
    Has search nameraphanus sativus niger + and oriental radish +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceNeutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameRaphanus sativus niger +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger +, Raphanus sativus niger + and Raphanus sativus niger +