Peltaria alliacea Jacq.

Scientific Classification

Peltaria alliacea, commonly called garlic cress, is a perennial flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family.

Native Range

It is native to Albania, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and the territory of former Yugoslavia.

Height

This plant reaches up to 60 cm (24 in) in height, and produces white flowers from May to July.

Foliage Texture

It is completely glabrous, meaning hairless, with simple, entire leaves.

Leaf Shape and Attachment

The leaves are ovate in shape, sessile, and amplexicaule, with lobes that fully wrap around the stem.

Leaf Scent

When crushed, the leaves release a garlic scent, which gives the species its common name.

Petal Characteristics

Its white petals measure 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) in length and end in a short claw.

Seed Pod Features

It produces orbicular, very flat siliculas (seed pods) that are pendent and measure roughly 6 by 6 mm (0.24 by 0.24 in).

Chromosome Count

Documented chromosome counts for this species are 2n=14, 28, and 56.

Taxonomic Publication

It was first published and formally described by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 'Enum. Stirp. Vindob.' on page 260, in May 1762.

Natural Habitat Range

It naturally grows in stony habitats ranging from southern Austria (Styria and Lower Austria) to southern Romania and Albania.

Introduced Range

It has become naturalized at one single location on the Isle of Skye in the United Kingdom.

Cultivation Status

This species is also cultivated as an herb or vegetable.

Edibility and Flavor

Its leaves are edible, and add a spicy flavor to salads, though they tend to turn bitter during the summer.