Brassica rapa dichotoma
(Roxb.) Hanelt
Brassicaceae
This species has been cultivated as a food crop for many hundreds of years and, in that time, several quite distinct forms have arisen. The nomenclature of these forms is confused, to say the least, and by no means universally accepted. We have followed the treatment used by GRIN, though it is very likely to be revised in the future[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Brassica campestris dichotoma (Roxb.) G.Watt.
Brassica campestris toria Duthie & J.B.Fuller
Brassica napus dichotoma (Roxb.) Prain
Sinapis dichotoma Roxb.
Common Name: Indian Rape
General Information
Indian rape is a biennial plant developed in cultivation from Brassica rapa. Growing from a non-fleshy taproot, it forms a loose rosette of leaves and a flowering stem up to 100cm tall.
The plant has a long history of cultivation in India dating back to around 1,500 BCE. Of less importance nowadays, it is still sometimes cultivated, mainly in India and Nepal, for its oil-rich seeds[
].
Known Hazards
The oil contained in the seed of some varieties of this species can be rich in erucic acid which is toxic. However, modern cultivars have been selected which are almost free of erucic acid.
Botanical References
74- Title
- Flora of the USSR.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Komarov. V. L.
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Israel Program for Scientific Translation
- Year
- 1968
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
Range
A cultivated form of Brassica rapa.
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Properties
| Edibility Rating |  |
| Other Uses Rating |  |
| Habit | Biennial |
| Height | 0.90 m |
| Pollinators | Bees |
| Self-fertile | Yes |
| Cultivation Status | Cultivated |
Cultivation Details
Indian rape arose in cultivation from forms of Brassica rapa and is cultivated as an annual crop from the warm temperate zone to the tropics of India.
Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Prefers a light sandy soil and dislikes a heavy soil[
37- Title
- The Gardener's Assistant.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Thompson. B.
- Publisher
- Blackie and Son.
- Year
- 1878
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
]. Prefers cool moist growing conditions[
16- Title
- New Vegetable Growers Handbook.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Simons.
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Year
- 1977
- ISBN
- 0-14-046-050-0
- Description
- A good guide to growing vegetables in temperate areas, not entirely organic.
]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3.
Edible Uses
Leaves - raw or cooked. A bit on the coarse side, though the young leaves can be added in moderation to salads whilst older leaves make an acceptable vegetable[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
An edible oil is obtained from the seeds[
].
Medicinal
None known
Other Uses
A semi-drying oil obtained from the seed can be used for lighting, soap making etc.
Propagation
Seed - sow in situ in the spring.
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Useful Temperate Plants Database 2016 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
