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swinecress
Scientific Name: Coronopus
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lesser Swinecress: A Detailed Look
Lesser Swinecress, scientifically known as Coronopus didymus, is a common plant found in various parts of the world. Also referred to as Swine-cress, Wartcress, Lesser Wartcress, Pitpapra (in Hindi) and Jangli halon. This adaptable plant is a subject of mixed opinions, valued by some for its culinary potential while considered a nuisance weed by others.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Swinecress has a pungent smell, which may be off-putting or irritating to some animals or children.
- The plant is described as having small flowers (1mm) and fruit (1.5 to 2 mm), which could be a potential choking hazard for small children or pets if ingested in large quantities.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm.
- Family: Brassicaceae (also known as Cruciferae), the mustard family
- Genus: Coronopus
- Synonyms: Lepidium didymum, Senebiera didyma, Coronopus squamatus (some sources may consider this a separate, greater swinecress)
Distribution and Habitat
- Common in southern and eastern England but less frequent further north. It is not typically found above 1,000 ft.
- Widely distributed throughout much of the United States.
- Also found in Tasmania, Australia.
- Grows in open fields, waste areas, lawns, and gardens.
Ecological Role
- Considered a weed in many areas, including the United States.
- Known to spread quickly and can be a persistent nuisance.
- Can be a problematic weed in newly seeded tall fescue.
Morphological Characteristics
- Low-growing or prostrate annual or biennial broadleaf plant.
- Grows low – barely reaching 3 or 4 cm high.
- Has much-branched, slightly hairy stems.
- Delicate, feathery-looking, yellowish-green plant.
- Pungent-smelling leaves.
- Very small flowers (1mm).
- Fruit is 1.5 to 2 mm, obviously two-lobed and notched.
Quirky Facts
- Opinions are divided on Swinecress: some consider it a "nice walkabout nibble and pot herb" while others find its smell unpleasant.
Further Information
- ARKive provides photos and facts about Lesser Swinecress.
- Ctesy Australia's Virtual Herbarium contains information on Coronopus didymus.
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information on Coronopus didymus.
- Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Lesser Swinecress.
- USDA PLANTS database provides information under the symbol CODI6.