Rape, Canola, Tori
Brassica napus var. napus

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. The leaves clasp the stem. The flowers are stalked and yellow. The fruit is a pod. It is 5-6 cm long including the beak. There are about 20 seeds in a pod.

There are about 30 Brassica species and many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

In Nepal it grows up to 2500 m altitude. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Cuba, East Africa, Ethiopia, Europe (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Malawi, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, SE Asia, Southern Africa, USA, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The seeds are important for making cooking oil.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds - oil, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brassica napus var. oleifera (Moench) Delile;