Brassica

views updated May 21 2018

Brassica (family Cruciferae) A genus of annual to perennial herbs which have tap roots and erect, branched stems. The flowers are usually yellow and are always four-petalled, the elongated fruit having a lower part (containing several seeds) that opens by 2 valves each with one strong vein, and an upper, indehiscent part (the beak) with 0–3 seeds. Several are important vegetables (cabbage, turnip, etc.) or sources of useful oil (rape, black mustard, etc.). There are about 30 species, whose distribution is centred on the Mediterranean.

brassica

views updated Jun 27 2018

bras·si·ca / ˈbrasikə/ • n. a plant of the genus Brassica (family Cruciferae) that includes cabbage, turnip, Brussels sprouts, and mustard.

brassica

views updated Jun 08 2018

brassica Genus of plants with edible roots or leaves. It includes cabbages, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts (all subspecies of Brassica oleracea), turnip (B. rapa), swede (B. napobrassica). Some, such as broccoli, have edible flowerheads. Family Brassicaceae/Cruciferae.

Brassica

views updated May 18 2018

Brassica Genus of vegetables that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohl rabi, mustard, and swedes.

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