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San Diego wild cabbage
Scientific Name: Caulanthus heterophyllus var. pseudosimulans
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Biennial
Other Names:
San Diego Wild Cabbage (Caulanthus heterophyllus)
Caulanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as San Diego wild cabbage, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Considerations for Pets and Children
- As a member of the mustard family, it shares lineage with cabbages. While no explicit toxicity is stated here, it is always prudent to keep pets and children from ingesting large quantities of any wild plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caulanthus heterophyllus (Nutt.) Payson
- Common Names: San Diego wild cabbage, San Diego wild-cabbage, Clasping leaved caulanthus, Claspingleaf wild cabbage, Coulter's jewel flower, Coulter's wild cabbage, Slender pod jewelflower.
- Rank: Species
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Synonyms: Caulanthus heterophyllus (Nutt. in Torrey & A. Gray) Payson
- Varieties: Caulanthus heterophyllus var. heterophyllus, Caulanthus heterophyllus var. pseudosimulans R. Buck
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in California, specifically San Diego County, Ventura County, and Stanislaus County.
- The text suggests that the plant is rare in the wild.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as a forb/herb, which means it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
- An annual plant.
- Mentioned as having a "full 'cabbage' head of succulent leaves" at the top of the stem.
Ecology
- The text mentions caterpillar damage on the leaves.
Cultivation
- Prefers soil that dries out between watering.
- Benefits from fertilization in the spring with fertilizer suitable for flowering plants.
Quirky Facts
- The text refers to Caulanthus heterophyllus as a "mystery vegetable" and suggests it's quite different from other plants, though believed to be derived from wild cabbage.
- It's considered one of the rarest plants in the world, at least in the wild.
Further Information
- Michelle Cloud-Hughes holds the copyright to a photo of Caulanthus heterophyllus.
- CalPhotos at Berkeley is mentioned as a potential source for additional images.