Sea radish (Raphanus raphanistrum, Sp. Pl.: 669 (1753))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 669 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Raphanus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Medit. and C. Asia

Description

Sea radish, scientifically known as Raphanus raphanistrum, is a remarkable plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Originally described and catalogued in “Species Plantarum” on page 669 in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant is known for its widespread presence across Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia.

Sea radish is easily recognizable by its charming, yellow flowers which typically bloom in clusters. The plant exhibits a hardy nature, thriving in various soil types and often found in coastal regions, grasslands, and disturbed sites. Its adaptability to different environments has facilitated its natural distribution over a broad geographic area.

The leaves of the sea radish are lobed and slightly rough to the touch, characteristic of many members within the Brassicaceae family. These leaves are not merely ornamental; they are also edible and have a sharp, peppery flavor, somewhat akin to the cultivated radish. This makes sea radish a desirable wild edible plant, often foraged by those knowledgeable in wild plants.

The sea radish produces slender pods that contain several seeds, aiding in the propagation and spread of the species. These pods can also add a spicy component to culinary dishes, echoing the pungency of the leaves. Historical evidence suggests that various parts of the plant have been used traditionally in both culinary and medicinal contexts.

Due to its robust nature and the relatively low-maintenance growth requirements, sea radish continues to garner interest not only from botanists and plant enthusiasts but also from the ecological conservation sector. It often plays a role in ecosystem stability, providing food and habitat for various insects and small animals.

Whether appreciated for its ecological value, its historical and current culinary use, or its striking floral display, sea radish holds a significant place in the plant world. Its presence from Europe to the Mediterranean and Central Asia attests to its adaptability and enduring appeal.

Common Names

Deu: acker-hederich, acker-rettich, hederich, ackerrettich, hederich
Eng: jointed charlock, jointed radish, jointed wild radish, sea radish, white charlock, wild radish, radish
Dan: kiddike
Nld: knopherik
Nor: krampgras, krampreddik
Por: nabiça, rabanete-de-cavalo
Swe: peltoretikka, åkerrättika
Fin: peltoretikka
Spa: rabanillo blanco, rabaniza, rábano silvestre
Fra: ravenelle, radis sauvage
Nno: villreddik
Nob: villreddik
Ces: ředkev ohnice
Cym: rhuddygl
En: Sea radish, White charlock, Jointed charlock, Jointed radish, Jointed wild radish, Wild radish, Radish, Runch
Af: Ramnas
Ar: فجل (فِجل), فجل بري
Hy: Բողկ վայրի
Bg: Дива ряпа
Ca: Rave bord, Rafanistre
Zh: 野芥菜
Cv: Тискер йӳç кăшман
Co: Armuraccia
Hr: Divlja rotkva
Cs: Ředkev ohnice
Da: Kiddike
Nl: Knopherik, Wilde Radijs
Et: Põldrõigas
Fi: Peltoretikka
Fr: Ravenelle, Radis-rouge, Rave sauvage, Radis sauvage, Radis ravenelle, Raifort sauvage, Raveluche
Gl: Saramago
Ka: Ბოლოკურა
De: Hederich, Acker-Rettich, Ackerrettich, Acker-Hederich, Acker-Rettich, Hederich, Wilder Rettich
He: צנון מצוי
Is: Akurræfla
It: Rapastrello, Ravanello selvatico
Kk: Жабайы шомыр
Lv: Tīruma pērkone
Lt: Dirvinis ridikas
No: Åkerreddik, Krampgras, Krampreddik
Nb: Villreddik
Nn: Villreddik
Fa: ترب وحشی
Pl: Rzodkiew świrzepa
Pt: Cabrestos, Saramago, Nabiça, Rabanete-de-cavalo
Pt-br: Rabanete-de-cavalo, Rabanete-selvagem, Rabanete-silvestre, Nabiça, Nabo
Ru: Редька полевая
Sr: Дивља ротква
Sk: Reďkev ohnicová
Es: Rábano silvestre, Rabanillo blanco, Rabaniza, Jaramago, Erviana, Jaramago blanco
Sv: Åkerrättika, Peltoretikka
Uk: Редька дика
Cy: Rhuddygl

Synonyms

• Rapistrum raphanistrum ((L.) Crantz)
• Raphanistrum vulgare (Gray)
• Raphanus sylvestris (Lam.)
• Raphanistrum raphanistrum ((L.) H.Karst.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Amur (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
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• Manitoba (introduced)
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• Marshall Is. (introduced)
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• Mauritius (introduced)
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• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
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• Minnesota (introduced)
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• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
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• West Himalaya (introduced)
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• Western Australia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Yakutskiya (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 14, 2018 by Domingo Naranjo Moreno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Kristen Nelson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Pérez Rocío (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2017 by Nathalie BURBLIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by Wolfgang Jauch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 16, 2019 by Corentin Belle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2004 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by Gilbert ROEGEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2020 by Han Hor (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken May 12, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by benoit T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Danny Robinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Ieg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by etienne copeaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2016 by Richard PETETIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Uta Groger (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CONSTANT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 1872 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by herrtobe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3040983)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:217826-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Raphanus raphanistrum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6