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Brassica rapa trilocularis

Common name:	Indian Colza	Family:	Cruciferae
Author:	(Roxb.)Hanelt.	Botanical references:	74
Synonyms:	Brassica trilocularis ((Roxb.)Hook.f.&Thomson.), Brassica rapa sarson ((Prain.)Denford.), Brassica campestris sarson (Prain.)
Known Hazards:	None known
Range:	A cultivated form of B. rapa.
Habitat:	Not known in the wild.
Edibility Rating (1-5):	2	Medicinal Rating (1-5):	0

Other Possible Synonyms:	From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below.
	B. campestris var. sarson[G,P] B. rapa ssp. sarson[P] B. rapa subsp. sarson[G] B. rapa subsp. trilocularis[G] B. rapa var. trilocularis[G,P] Sinapis glauca[G] Sinapis trilocularis[G]
Other Common Names:	From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below.
	Brown Sarson [P], Yellow Sarson [P],
Epithets:	From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets
	rapa = turnip (like);
Systematics:	From a USDA Plants Database
	Order: Capparales. Renamed to Brassicaceae -- Mustard family

Physical Characteristics

Biennial growing to 0.9m. It is not frost tender. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. We rate it 2/5 for edibility and 0/5 for medicinal use.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Edible Uses

Leaves; Oil.

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable or fermented and stored for winter use[272]. A bit on the coarse side, though the young leaves can be added in moderation to salads whilst older leaves make an acceptable vegetable[K].
An edible oil is obtained from the seeds. It is used for cooking[272].

Medicinal Uses

Disclaimer

None known

Other Uses

Lighting; Oil.

The oil from the seed is used for lighting[272].
The seed husks are used in plastering house walls[272].

Cultivation details

Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[200]. Prefers a light sandy soil and dislikes a heavy soil[37]. Prefers cool moist growing conditions[16]. Succeeds in any reasonable soil. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3.
Indian colza is cultivated mainly in India and Nepal for its oil-rich seeds.

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ April to September[206]. Some varieties can also be sown in a cold greenhouse in late autumn, winter or early spring to provide leaves overwinter and in late spring.

Suppliers

For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.

Web References

References for Brassica rapa ssp. sarson (a possible synonym).

[P] Data. (uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.
[P] Data. (uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.

References for Brassica rapa subsp. trilocularis (a possible synonym).

[G] Data (Common Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database.

References for Brassica rapa var. trilocularis (a possible synonym).

[P] Data. (uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.

See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.

Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[16] Simons. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin 1977 ISBN 0-14-046-050-0
A good guide to growing vegetables in temperate areas, not entirely organic.

[37] Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.

[74] Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[206] Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray 1991 ISBN 0-7195-4781-4
Well written and very informative.

Readers Comments

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Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future - Species Database. Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
WEB search engine by Rich Morris - Home Page- Contact Info
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We make no claims of magical effects or supernatural powers for any item in this catalog. In spite of legendary attributes or occult and craft tradition, such items are offered as curios only and beliefs concerning their magical effectiveness are related only for historical interest.