Polynesian cress
Rorippa sarmentosa

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb with a short stem. It grows 15-50 cm high. The flowers are small and white or pale yellow. The fruit are pods about 1.5-3 cm long.

There are about 70 Rorippa species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Fiji it grows from sea level to about 600 m altitude. It grows in wet places.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Rotuma, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South America, Tonga, Tuvalu, USA, Vanuatu ?

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

A'atasi, Lita, Longrunner, Matori, Mouku, Rongomi, Sewathi

Synonyms

Cardamine sarmentosa Solander; Nasturtium sarmentosum Schinz. & Guillaumin;