Violet-cabbage (Moricandia arvensis, Syst. Nat. 2: 626 (1821))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 626 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Moricandia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to Sahara

Description

Violet-cabbage (Moricandia arvensis)

The Violet-cabbage, known scientifically as Moricandia arvensis, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This species was first documented in the comprehensive publication “Syst. Nat.” on page 626 in the year 1821. The plant was identified and classified by the esteemed botanist (L.) DC.

Characteristics and Habitat
Violet-cabbage exhibits a distinctive blend of aesthetic appeal and ecological adaptability, thriving predominantly in the regions spanning from the Mediterranean to the Sahara. It is also notably found in the Canary Islands, indicating its versatility and resilience in diverse climatic conditions.

Botanical Features
As a member of the Brassicaceae family, Moricandia arvensis shares common characteristics with other mustard family plants. Typically, plants in this family exhibit traits such as cruciform (cross-shaped) flowers, which are often composed of four petals. The leaves of the Violet-cabbage are often simple and alternately arranged, showcasing a robust structure that supports its growth in various environments.

Ecological Significance
The presence of Violet-cabbage in varied regions like the Mediterranean basin and the Canary Islands underlines its ecological importance. It contributes to the biodiversity and sustainability of these habitats, offering both aesthetic value and functional roles in the ecosystem. Whether in sandy soils of the Sahara or the more temperate climates of the Mediterranean, this plant is a testament to botanical resilience and versatility.

Historical and Cultural Context
The documentation of Moricandia arvensis by (L.) DC. in 1821 highlights its longstanding recognition in botanical studies. Over the centuries, it has been studied and admired for its unique attributes and its ability to adapt to different environments. This long history contributes to its cultural and scientific significance, making it a subject of interest in both historical and contemporary botanical research.

In summary, the Violet-cabbage, Moricandia arvensis, is a plant that embodies the beauty and resilience of nature. Its distribution from the Canary Islands to the Sahara underscores its ecological adaptability, while its documentation in early 19th-century literature speaks to its enduring presence in the botanical world. As part of the Brassicaceae family, it continues to be a valuable subject for both ecological studies and horticultural admiration.

Common Names

Deu: acker-morikandie
Fra: chou des champs
Eng: purple mistress, violet-cabbage, violet cabbage
Swe: blåsenap
En: Violet-cabbage, Purple mistress, Violet Cabbage
Ca: Colletxó comú
Fr: Chou des champs
De: Acker-Morikandie
It: Moricandia comune
Es: Collejón
Sv: Blåsenap

Synonyms

• Moricandia longirostris (Pomel)
• Eruca arvensis ((L.) Noulet)
• Erucastrum decandollii (K.F.Schimp. & Spenn.)
• Hesperis arvensis ((L.) Cav.)
• Diplotaxis brassiciformis (Koch ex Boiss.)
• Diplotaxis arvensis ((L.) Bluff, Nees & Schauer)
• Agrosinapis arvensis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Moricandia arvensis var. fabariifolia (C.Presl)
• Turritis arvensis ((L.) W.T.Aiton)
• Moricandia arvensis var. robusta (Batt.)
• Moricandia arvensis var. longirostris ((Pomel) Batt.)
• Moricandia arvensis var. garamantum (Maire)
• Crantzia frutescens (Lag. ex DC.)
• Brassica purpurea (Mill.)
• Brassica moricandia (Boiss.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Chad (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Corse (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Javier Marimón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2017 by Lilian Car (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2017 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

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

Leaf

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by dianaz15 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by dianaz15 (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by Delgado Caballero Fran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by M.angeles Basurte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2017 by Francesc Riudavets (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Bouabdellah Bouabdellah Teffahi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376035)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1085378-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Moricandia arvensis (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 7