Herb: Indian Colza


Latin name: Brassica rapa trilocularis


Synonyms: Brassica campestris sarson, Brassica rapa sarson, Brassica trilocularis


Family: Cruciferae



Edible parts of Indian Colza:

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable or fermented and stored for winter use. A bit on the coarse side, though the young leaves can be added in moderation to salads whilst older leaves make an acceptable vegetable. An edible oil is obtained from the seeds. It is used for cooking.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Biennial


Height:
90 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Not known in the wild.

Other uses of Indian Colza:

The oil from the seed is used for lighting. The seed husks are used in plastering house walls.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow in situ April to September. Some varieties can also be sown in a cold greenhouse in late autumn, winter or early spring to provide leaves overwinter and in late spring.

Cultivation of Indian Colza:

Not known in the wild.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Brassica rapa trilocularis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.