Wild cabbage
Brassica oleracea
Family: Brassicaceae
What it is like
A cabbage family herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 1.2 m high and spreads 1 m wide. The stem is erect and woody and branching. The lower leaves are large and rounded and have lobes. The leaves on the stem are narrow and sword shaped. The flowers are creamy yellow and have 4 petals.
There are about 30 Brassica species and many cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It is frost resistant but damaged by drought. Tasmania Herbarium. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central Asia, China, Croatia, Georgia, East Africa, Easter Island, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Europe (country/location of origin), Falklands, Georgia, Haiti, Ireland, Kenya, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Palestine, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tajikistan, Tasmania, West Indies
How it is used for food
The leaves are slightly bitter unless cooked in 2 changes of water. The flower buds and green, undeveloped seed pods are stir-fried and eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ntsu