About Brassica tournefortii Gouan
Brassica tournefortii Gouan is a spreading annual mustard herb that is generally similar to other mustards. Its yellow flowers are less bright and prominent than those of its close relatives. It grows long stems that can reach up to 100 centimetres, or 40 inches, in length. This mustard is native to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. It gained notoriety in the twentieth century after invading the deserts of the United States and Mexico. In recent times it has become an abundant weed in low deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as desert valleys such as the Coachella and Imperial Valleys of southern California. The plant disperses easily when rain first occurs. When seed coats are moistened, they form a gel, become very sticky, and readily adhere to people, animals, and objects. Seeds easily establish along roadsides and arid desert lands, especially in disturbed habitats. Each plant disperses between 750 and 9,000 seeds, which remain viable for several years in soil. This trait contributes to its status as an invasive species. Brassica tournefortii invades sandy soil, particularly deserts, most notably in regions including Southern California, Mexico, and Australia.
