Wild turnip (Brassica fruticulosa, Pl. Rar. 2: 7 (1792))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: Cirillo

Bibliography: Pl. Rar. 2: 7 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Brassica

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Spain to NW. Balkan Pen.

Description

Wild turnip, scientifically known as Brassica fruticulosa, is a notable member of the Brassicaceae family. This resilient plant was first documented in the notable work “Pl. Rar.” in 1792 by the esteemed botanist Cirillo.

Growing predominantly across Southern Europe, the presence of wild turnip extends from Eastern Spain to the Northwestern regions of the Balkan Peninsula. This geographical range highlights its adaptability to various climates and soil types within this expansive area.

The wild turnip is recognized for its robust foliage and vibrant flowers, which contribute to its widespread identification and use. Its hardy nature makes it an interesting subject for study among botanists and horticulturists alike. Historically, various cultures within its native range have utilized the wild turnip for both culinary and medicinal purposes, taking advantage of its nutrient-rich properties.

With a strong foundation in botanic history and a wide-reaching habitat, Brassica fruticulosa remains a significant plant within both ecological and cultural contexts. Whether appreciated for its practical uses or its role in biodiversity, the wild turnip continues to be a species of interest.

Common Names

Eng: mediterranean cabbage, twiggy turnip, wild turnip
Nno: kvistkål
Nob: kvistkål
En: Wild turnip, Twiggy turnip, Mediterranean cabbage
Bg: Средиземноморско зеле
Fr: Chou ligneux, Chou fruticuleux
De: Strauch-Kohl
It: Cavolo rapiciolla, Cavolicello
Nb: Kvistkål
Nn: Kvistkål
Ru: Капуста средиземноморская

Synonyms

• Erucastrum fruticulosum ((Cirillo) C.Presl)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baleares (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (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 Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 27, 2021 by florenza artale (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 25, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3042809)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:72185-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Brassica fruticulosa Cirillo)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

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

Soil nutriments: 6