White rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides, Syst. Nat. 2: 631 (1821))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 631 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Diplotaxis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit. to Ethiopia and W. Iran

Description

White rocket, scientifically known as Diplotaxis erucoides, is a notable plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Characteristically found in regions spanning from the Mediterranean to Ethiopia and extending to Western Iran, this species showcases a remarkable adaptability to various climatic conditions.

First described in 1821 within the prestigious publication “Syst. Nat. 2: 631,” Diplotaxis erucoides owes its initial classification to the eminent botanist (L.) DC. Over the centuries, white rocket has garnered attention not only for its botanical features but also for its ecological significance within its native habitats.

In ecological terms, white rocket thrives in a diverse range of environments, indicating its robust physiological adaptations. It is typically encountered in disturbed sites, agricultural areas, and marginal lands where its rapid growth enables it to compete effectively with other flora. This adaptability not only underscores its resilience but also its role as a pioneer species in certain ecosystems.

The plant itself displays typical characteristics of the Brassicaceae family, with its distinct foliage and inflorescence. It is an herbaceous annual, often recognized by its elongated, serrated leaves and small, white flowers that collectively form a raceme. These floral structures are not only attractive but also serve critical ecological functions, acting as pollinator magnets and contributing to the plant’s reproductive success.

In conclusion, Diplotaxis erucoides, or white rocket, stands out as an ecologically versatile and scientifically significant species. Its distribution from the Mediterranean to Western Iran, including regions of Ethiopia, highlights its extensive reach and adaptability. As a member of the Brassicaceae family, this plant continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike, offering insights into plant survival strategies and ecological interactions.

Common Names

Dan: iberisk mursennep
Deu: rauken-doppelsame, senfrauken-doppelrauke
Eng: white rocket, white wallrocket, white wall rocket, white wall-rocket, garden wall rocket
Hun: fehér kányazsázsa
Por: rúcula
Fra: diplotaxe fausse-roquette, diplotaxis fausse-roquette
Swe: vit mursenap
Cym: cedw gwyn yr âr, roced wen
En: White rocket, White wallrocket, White Wild Rocket, White wall rocket, White Wall-Rocket, Garden wall rocket
Ar: غريره, خفج جرجيري
Ca: Ravenissa comuna, Ravenissa blanca
Da: Iberisk mursennep
Fi: Valkohietasinappi
Fr: Diplotaxe fausse-roquette, Diplotaxis fausse-roquette, Diplotaxis fausse roquette, Roquette blanche, Roquette sauvage
De: Raukenähnlicher Doppelsame, Rauken-Doppelsame, Senfrauken-Doppelrauke
He: טוריים מצויים
Hu: Fehér kányazsázsa
It: Ruchetta violacea
Pt: Rúcula
Es: Jaramago blanco, Rabaniza blanca
Sv: Vit mursenap
Cy: Roced wen, Cedw Gwyn yr Âr

Synonyms

• Raphanus erucoides ((L.) Crantz)
• Euzomum erucoides ((L.) Spach)
• Erucastrum erucoides ((L.) Calest.)
• Sinapis erucoides (L.)
• Sisymbrium erucoides ((L.) Desf.)
• Crucifera erucoides ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2019 by Ricardo Lemaur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by o la (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2019 by Maise Carreras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Muñoz Dionisia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Magalie Delalande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Antoine 🌱 AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2022 by Ylona Ramond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by ernst von freyberg (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Antoine 🌱 AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude BOUZAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2013 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2019 by Maise Carreras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 16, 2021 by curiosainmundicia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2018 by sam (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376309)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1185374-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth