About Brassica fruticulosa Cirillo
When crushed, Brassica fruticulosa gives off an odor similar to that of cabbage and broccoli. Its stem is smooth, erect, and ranges in color from grey to green, and can grow up to 50 centimeters tall. Both upper and lower leaves have stems; lower leaves are lyre-shaped, lobed near the base, bristly in some areas, and reach up to 15 centimeters in length. This species produces pale yellow flowers that are 10 millimeters long, each with four petals. Flowers grow on short stalks, with many branches forming at the tip of the stem. The plant also bears a pea pod-shaped siliqua that has a lumpy texture and measures 2 to 4 centimeters long. When mature, its seeds are brown and spherical in shape. Brassica fruticulosa is a wild cabbage that is native to southern Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced to Australia and North America — including California in the United States — where it has since become naturalized in wild areas.
