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false flax
Scientific Name: Camelina
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Camelina (False Flax)
This page provides information about Camelina sativa, commonly known as false flax or gold-of-pleasure. Read on to learn more about this interesting plant.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which could be a consideration for animals with sensitivities.
Considerations for Children
- The plant belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which could be a consideration for children with sensitivities.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz
- Common Names: False flax, gold-of-pleasure, camelina, wild flax, German sesame, Dutch flax, big seed false flax, large seeded false flax, Siberian oilseed.
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (Camelina sativa subsp. sativa)
- Synonyms: Camelina microcarpa (Littlepod False Flax, Hairy Falseflax, Hairy False Flax, Litlepod Falseflax).
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southeast Europe and southwest Asia.
- Introduced across the temperate world.
- Originated in Northern Europe.
- Centers of origin in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.
- Often found growing together with common flax.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- An annual or biennial herb.
- A small annual shrub.
- Has small pale yellow or greenish-yellow 4-petaled flowers (approximately 1/6 inch across).
- Elongating racemes of pale yellow flowers.
- Has a short vegetative period.
Ecological Role
- It is referred to as false flax because it is often found growing in flax fields.
Uses
- Cultivated for oil production since the Bronze Age.
- Seeds are pressed to produce false flax oil.
- Camelina oil is an edible oil.
- Potential use as a biofuel feedstock.
- Historically used in Europe and North America.
Quirky Facts
- Also known as "gold of pleasure."
- It's been cultivated since the Bronze Age, but it is sometimes called a "new" plant for oil and biofuel.
- One of its common names is "German sesame".
- It is considered one of the least susceptible to cultivation conditions oil crops.
- It is not inferior to winter rye on winter hardiness.
Further Information
- Rothamsted Research has conducted studies on genetically engineered varieties of Camelina sativa.
- Montana Field Guide