Wild Turnip-Rape, Asian mustard
Brassica tournefortii
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Brassica tournefortii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Dunes, roadsides and fields in the maritime belt.
Europe - E. Mediterranean to W. Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed .
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young shoots - cooked. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though it should be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Grows well in the heavier soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Highly invasive annual herb and is recorded as negatively affecting native species in some US states and Australia. Its fast growth rates enable it to monopolize soil moisture and light and mature before native wildflowers.
Its other names
Local names
Asian mustard; long-fruit turnip; Mediterranean mustard; Mediterranean turnip; pale cabbage; Sahara mustard; tournefort’s birdrape; tournefort’s mustard; wild turnip. Spanish: mostaza; mostaza del desierto; mostaza del Sahara. French: chou de tournefort. Arabic: qarras; shiltam. Finland: välimerenkaali. Italy: cavolo di tournefort. UK: bresychen welw.