Perennial wall rocket, Sand mustard
Diplotaxis tenuifolia

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is a plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 0.2-1.2 m high. The leaves near the base are slightly lobed but the leaves on the stem are narrow and entire or with teeth. The leaves have an unpleasant smell when crushed. The flowers have sepals which spread out. The petals are bright yellow. The fruit stalks are also spreading. The pods are flattened and with a short beak. Seed are arranged in two rows.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows well in sandy soils. It can grow on beach sand and limestone. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in salty conditions. Tasmania Herbarium. It suits hardiness zone 7.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, Europe (country/location of origin), Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Scandinavia, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw in salads and boiled in soups. They have a peppery taste.

It is commonly cultivated. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. They can be transplanted.

Its other names

Local names

Aruca sarvaggia, Divlja rikula, Flor amarilla, Lincoln weed, Napor, Ruca, Ruchetta, Rucoletta, Rucola selvatica, Ruqueta, Sand rocket, Tankolistni dvoredec, Turpenk

Synonyms

Brassica muralis Huds.; Crucifera tenuifolia E. H. L. Krause; Diplotaxis fruticulosa Tod. ex Caruel; Diplotaxis ramosissima Spreng.; Diplotaxis tanaitica Schtscherb.; Diplotaxis variabilis Rochel; Eruca muralis P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Schreb.; Eruca perennis Mill.; Eruca tenuifolia Moench; Erysimum tenuifilium Clairv.; Sisymbrium acre Lam.; Sisymbrium tenuifolium L.;