Raphanus

Encyclopedia : R : RA : RAP : Raphanus

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Raphanus is a genus within the flowering plant family Brassicaceae. Two or three species are currently classified in Raphanus. They include the cultivated radish, Raphanus sativus, the common wild radish or jointed charlock, R. raphanistrum. Some authors accept the podding or rattail radish, R. caudatus as a third member of the genus, while others treat it as a variety of R. sativus. Substantial numbers of other species in the genus have been proposed at various times, but almost all are currently regarded as varieties of R. sativus, while a few are treated as varieties of R. raphanistrum or are not accepted as well-described species.

Raphanus species grow as annual or biennial plants, with a taproot which is much enlarged in the cultivated radish.The genus is native to Asia but its members can now be found world wide. Growing wild, they are regarded as invasive species in many regions.

Raphanus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, Endoclita excrescens, Garden Carpet and The Nutmeg.

External links

• [Jepson Manual treatment of the genus]
• [Missouri Botanical Gardens page on the rattail radish]

 

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