Raphanus raphanistrum

Raphanus raphanistrum L.

Common Names: Jointed Charlock, Wild Radish

Family: Brassicaceae

Habit: Raphanus raphanistrum grows as a lightly pubescent annual or biennial herb to 70 cm in height when in flower/fruit. The leaves are arranged alternately to 20 cm in length, obovate on lower leaves becoming lobed/pinnatifid on upper leaves getting smaller towards the top of them stem.

The complete, perfect, actinomorphic flowers are in terminal and racemes or panicles up to 30 centimeters in length.  The calyx has 4 unfused, green sepals.  The corolla has 4 unfused, white to yellow petals. There are 6 stamens and 2 staminodes. The superior ovary with 2 locules separated by a narrow replum.  The fruit is a round, green/white silicle, that is constricted between the seeds, with an elongate beak at the top at maturity.

Habitat: Raphanus raphanistrum grows in Human Altered environments (fields, yards, disturbed areas).

Distribution: Raphanus raphanistrum is NOT native to the Lucayan Archipelago but occurs on some of the northern islands.  It is native to Europe and north Africa.  It is widespread globally.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic Usage: Raphanus raphanistrum is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago.