Brassica

Brassica, the turnip and cabbage genus of the Cruciferae (q.v.). The Wild Cabbage (B. oleracea) occurs on the west and south coasts of England, Ireland, and the Continent, particularly on sea-cliffs. The cultivated forms are of great economic importance, and are enumerated by Hooker as varieties: (a) acephala (Scotch kale, cow-cabbage, borecole, see KALE); (b) bulleata (savoy); (c) gennifera (Brussels Sprouts, q.v.); (d) capitata (red and white cabbage, see CAB-BAGE); (e) eaulorapa (Kohlraabi, q.v.); (f) botrytis (Cauliflower and Broccoli, q.v.). The Turnip (B. campestris [polymorpha]) has also many annual or biennial varieties: of these B. campestris proper is cultivated as the Swedish turnip. B. campestris, sub-species Rapa, is the common Turnip (q.v.); and the sub-species Napus is the rape or coleseed. The Isle of Man Cabbage (B. monensis) occurs on sandy shores, and its cultivation in such soils has accordingly been suggested as fodder for cattle. For the sub-genus Sinapis, see MUSTARD.