The taxonomy of the genus Eruca is very confused with different treatments varying in the names and numbers of accepted species. We are following the treatment of Lemmel C. & Attioui Z. in Eruca aurea Batt., The Saharan Rocket. How to put an end to the confusions within the genus Eruca?[] which sees the cultivated salad plant (Argula or Rocket) treated as the distinct species Eruca sativa, with five other species recognized[].

Common Name:

General Information

Eruca vesicaria is an annual plant, producing a basal rosette of leaves followed by one or more flowering stems; it can grow up to 30cm tall
Closely related to the cultivated rocket (Eruca sativa), this species has very similar properties and can be used in much the same ways as a food, medicine and source of oil.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western Mediterranean - Spain, Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Eruca species generally succeed in full sun, but prefer some shade from the hottest sun[]. A very easily grown and fast-maturing plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils and conditions, though it prefers sandy and sandy loam soils[, ]. The plant grows best and is more productive in a moist, but not wet soil - once established, it is quite drought resistant[, ].
Plants usually self-sow freely if the ground is disturbed in some way, such as by hoeing[].
This species is normally untroubled by pests or diseases[].

Edible Uses

This species is closely related to the cultivated rocket (Eruca sativa) and can be used similarly. These uses include:-

Young leaves - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A distinct strongly spicy flavour[], the taste is best from fast, well-grown plants[]. A few leaves added to a salad are acceptable though the flavour is too strong for many tastes[].

Flowers - raw[52}. A similar taste to the leaves, they make a nice garnish on the salad bowl[].

The seed yields a semi-drying oil[, , ]. Its use as a salad or cooking oil is limited because of its initial acridity; this acridity disappears after storing the oil for 6 months, it is then suitable for edible purposes[, , ]

A mustard is obtained from the seed[, , ]. The strong flavour comes from an essential oil that is contained within the oil of the seed[].

Medicinal

This species is closely related to the cultivated rocket (Eruca sativa) and can be used similarly. These uses include:-

The leaves are antiscorbutic, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant and stomachic[, , ].

Eruca contains the glucosinolate methylsulphinylbutyl isothiocyanate which induces enzymes which have anticancer activity[].

The seed is rubefacient and stimulant[, ]. The powdered seed possesses antibacterial activity, but no alkaloids have been isolated[].

The oil from the seed is said to have aphrodisiac properties[, ]. The oil can be used for massage and for soothing the skin[].

Other Uses

This species is closely related to the cultivated rocket (Eruca sativa) and can be used similarly. These uses include:-

The seed yields a semi-drying oil which is a substitute for rapeseed oil[]. It is rich in erucic acid[]. It produces very little soot when it burns and so it can also be used for lighting[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late spring to mid summer in situ