Skip to page content
Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae, previously known as Cruciferae).
Given its scientific names by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753; he recognized some 11 or 12 different forms or cultivars of this species.
Native to the coastal cliffs of England, France and northern Spain, it has been modified for millennia by humans.
Life form: biennial herb, sometimes an annual.
Parts used: many different parts of the plant modified for consumption by humans; cabbage - leaves; broccoli and cauliflower - unopened flowers; kale - leaves; Brussels sprouts - axillary buds.
Ploidy level: diploid.
Illustration from the Plate Collection of the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London (Brassica nigra L. - Black Mustard)
