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Brassica is a plant genus, in the cabbage family Brassicaceae (formerly the Cruciferae). The members of the genus may be collectively known either as the cabbages, or as mustards.
This remarkable genus contains more important agricultural and horticultural crops than any other genus. It also includes a number of weeds, both wild taxa and escapes from cultivation. It includes over 30 wild species and hybrids, and numerous additional cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most are annuals or biennials, but some are small shrubs.
The genus occurs in the wild in western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia.
Almost all parts of some species or other have been developed for food, including the root (swedes, turnips), stems (kohlrabi), leaves (cabbage, brussels sprouts), flowers (cauliflower, broccoli), and seeds (many, including mustard seed, oilseed rape). Some forms with white or purple foliage or flowerheads, are also sometimes grown for ornament.
Species and forms by botanical names and cultivar groups
Brassica alboglabra - Chinese Kale, Chinese Broccoli, Early Kailaan
Brassica bourgeaui
Brassica campestris - Wild Mustard
Brassica carinata - Abyssinian Mustard or Abyssinian Cabbage
Brassica cernua - Chinese cabbage, Chinese Leaf, Celery Cabbage
Brassica chinensis - Chinese Flowering Cabbage, choy sum
Brassica elongata - Elongated Mustard
Brassica fimbriata - Kitchen Kale
Brassica fruticulosa - Mediterranean Cabbage
Brassica hirta - White Mustard, Yellow Mustard
Brassica japonica - Japanese Cabbage, Mizuma
Brassica juncea - Indian Mustard, Brown and leaf mustards, Sarepta Mustard.
Brassica juncea Integrifolia Group - Leaf Mustard, Chinese Mustard, Mustard Green
Brassica kaber - Wild Mustard, Field Mustard, Charlock
