Scientific name Rapistrum Rank Genus | Higher classification Cabbage family | |
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Similar Rapistrum rugosum, Cabbage family, Erucastrum, Conringia, Rapistrum perenne | ||
Bolletjesraket rapistrum rugosum 2016 06 07
Rapistrum, the bastardcabbages, is a genus belonging to the Brassicaceae family with a distinctive cross like arrangement of its petals. Species of Rapistrum are annual to perennials (Lifespan from 1 to 2 or more years). The yellow petals are accompanied by sepals that stand vertically at near right angles (erecto-patent). Leaf shape and arrangement varies from rough toothed (dentate) to a configuration of opposingly lobed pairs along the plant stalk, pinnately lobed.
Contents
Fruit
The Rapistrum genus has a characteristic fruit comprising 2 segments.
a) The distal (upper division) The part of the fruit farthest away from the point of attachment. The distal is endowed with a ribbed spheroid base (globose) that tapers to form a narrowed projection. It holds a single seed.
b) The proximal (lower division) The part of the fruit nearest to the point of attachment. Possesses a more uniform narrower shape compared to the distal above, giving the fruit a waist. It holds a maximum of three seeds, more commonly none or one.
The fruit varies from species to species. The distal of R. rugosum is strongly ribbed and narrows to form a beak whereas R. perenne is comparatively less wrinkled and ends with a style that stubbornly resists detachment, 'a persistent style'.
When ripe the distal breaks away in an across-wise fashion, breaking transversely.
