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rape mustard
Scientific Name: Brassica rapa ssp. rapa
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Rape Mustard (Brassica rapa) and Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
This page explores the plants commonly known as Rape Mustard (Brassica rapa) and Rapeseed (Brassica napus), both members of the Brassicaceae family.
Considerations for Pets
- Both Brassica rapa and Brassica napus produce seeds.
Considerations for Children
- Both Brassica rapa and Brassica napus produce seeds.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Brassica rapa (Rape Mustard), Brassica napus (Rapeseed)
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Synonyms for Brassica rapa: field mustard, bird's rape, birdsrape mustard, rape, rape mustard, turnip rape, wild mustard, wild rutabaga, wild turnip. Brassica rapa subsp. oleifera, Brassica rapa subsp sylvestris syn B campestris B rapa subsp campestris
- Synonyms for Brassica napus: rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rappi, colza, cole seed
- Common Names: field mustard, bird rape, keblock, rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rappi, wild turnip, forage turnip, wild rutabaga, birdsrape mustard, rape mustard, turnip rape, wild mustard.
- Subspecies and Varieties: Mention of Annual Turnip Rape (ssp. campestris), Field Mustard, Turnip Mustard, Wild Mustard, Wild Kale, Bird Rape, Navew, Cale.
Morphology and Growth
- Brassica rapa is described as an annual or biennial plant, typically 1-3 feet tall.
- Small plants are sparingly branched, while larger plants exhibit abundant branching in the upper half.
Distribution and Habitat
- Brassica rapa is said to have originated in the northern hemisphere.
- Brassica napus is described as being "almost naturalized" in parts of an unspecified country.
Ecological Role
- Both Brassica rapa (wild mustard) and Brassica napus (oilseed rape) can hybridize.
- Wild mustard (Brassica rapa) has achieved "superweed status" in some areas.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, is noted as a significant pest of both rape and mustard crops.
- Birds may contribute to the spread of mustard plants.
Quirky Facts
- "Rape oil" was involved in the creation of mustard gas, a chemical warfare agent.
Uses
- Seeds from Brassica napus are the source of canola oil.
- Brassica rapa leaves are consumed as "rape greens".
- Turnips, kale, mustard, and rape are sometimes planted together.