Lundy Cabbage
Rhynchosinapis wrightii

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Rhynchosinapis wrightii is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Endemic to the cliffs and slopes on the eastern side of Lundy Island.

Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Leaves - raw or cooked. A flavour somewhere between a cabbage and a radish. At its best for harvesting in the winter months, when it makes an acceptable addition to the salad bowl. It is also a reasonable cabbage substitute when cooked. Flowers and young flowering stems- raw or cooked. The flowers make a decorative addition to the salad bowl, whilst the young flowering stems can be used like broccoli. A cabbage-like flavour but with a distinct bitterness.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

A very rare plant, it is only found growing wild on Lundy Island in the Bristol channel. It requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. The plant is fairly hardy and should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country, though it tends to droop somewhat in very cold weather. It can provide edible leaves all year round, though there are scant pickings as the plant comes into flower and for a month or so afterwards. Plants are generally quite short-lived perennials, though they usually self-sow freely when well-sited.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. The seed usually germinates within a week. Prick out the pot-sown seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Those in the outdoor seedbed can be thinned as required (the thinnings can be transplanted or eaten) and be moved to their permanent positions when they are 15 - 25cm tall.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brassicella wrightii