Brassica

This article is about a genus of plants. For the Cockney rhyming slang brassic ("penniless"), see Boracic lint.
Not to be confused with Brassia, a genus in orchids.

Brassica
Brassica rapa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Tribe: Brassiceae
Genus: Brassica
L.
Species

See text

Synonyms[1]
List
    • Agrosinapis Fourr.
    • Bonannia C.Presl
    • Brassica-napus A.Vilm.
    • Brassicaria Pomel
    • Brassicastrum Link
    • Crucifera E.H.L.Krause
    • Erussica G.H.Loos
    • Guenthera Andrz. ex Besser
    • Melanosinapis K.F.Schimp. & Spenn.
    • Micropodium Rchb.
    • Mutarda Bernh.
    • Napus Mill.
    • Rapa Mill.
    • Rapum Hill
    • Sinabraca G.H.Loos

Brassica (/ˈbræsɪkə/) is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, or simply brassicas.[2] Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops—derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant.[3]

The genus Brassica is known for its important agricultural and horticultural crops and also includes a number of weeds, both of wild taxa and escapees from cultivation. Brassica species and varieties commonly used for food include bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, choy sum, kohlrabi, napa cabbage, rutabaga, turnip and some seeds used in the production of canola oil and the condiment mustard. Over 30 wild species and hybrids are in cultivation, plus numerous cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most are seasonal plants (annuals or biennials), but some are small shrubs. Brassica plants have been the subject of much scientific interest for their agricultural importance. Six particular species (B. carinata, B. juncea, B. oleracea, B. napus, B. nigra, and B. rapa) evolved by the combining of chromosomes from three earlier species, as described by the triangle of U theory.

The genus is native to Western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia. Many wild species grow as weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia.

A dislike for cabbage or broccoli may result from the fact that these plants contain a compound similar to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which is either bitter or tasteless to people depending on their taste buds.[4]

  1. ^ "Brassica L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  2. ^ Troxell, William (9 August 2022). "What are Brassicas, Exactly?". www.paveggies.org. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wordnik – caulis was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Overfield1995 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).