Rat-tail radish, Potting radish
Raphanus sativus var. caudatus

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It grows for one or two years. It grows 30-90 cm high. It has a long root. The stem is erect at first. The leaves are harp shaped. They can have some hairs. The flowers are in loose clusters. These are 10-36 cm long. The pods are long. Pods can be 1 m long. They are often 20-30 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a cool climate and full sun.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, India, Indochina, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The pods are eaten raw or cooked. They are used in pickles. They are also used in curries. The young leaves are eaten raw with fish. The flowers are used in salads.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. The pods are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, seed pods, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

The pods are best harvested young before they become too fibrous.

Its other names

Local names

Monkey-tail radish, Mougri, Rabanos, Serpentine bean, Singri

Synonyms

Probably now Raphanus sativus Caudatus group; Raphanus caudatus L.;