Bunias erucago

'Warty Cabbage'

Brassicaceae: an annual or biennial herb that grows 20-60 cm high, with branched stems, some of which may be purplish. Found in fields and roadsides, usually on rather poor soils. Pale yellow flowers, 8-13mm across, inflorescence with 10-35 flowers. Blooming from May-August. The fruits are 8-12 x 4-5mm woody, ovoid, oblong achenes with four cristate wings and a glandulous surface. The leaves are alternate, sessile, linear-lanceolate, 5-18cm long. Native to Southern Europe. A rare casual in Britain.

USES:

The leaves and young stems can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a characteristic aromatic flavour that goes well with beans. The young and tender leaves make a refreshing spring soup. The root can also be eaten raw, sliced thinly or grated and then be added to salads.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds from March-August in situ to obtain a succession of fresh young leaves. The seed usually germinates within 2 weeks. Succeeds in most soils, including poor ones, preferring a sunny position.

HARVESTED: 2018

APPROX. 15 SEEDS