Brassicaceae Family

The Brassicaceae family is a monumental group, as it comprises over 4,000 species spread across 338 genera.

The Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard or crucifer family, contains a large number of species, including many well-known vegetables, ornamental plants, and weeds. Here is a list of some of the notable genera and species within the Brassicaceae family, covering a range of common and less commonly known plants:

Vegetables and Edible Plants

1. Brassica oleracea: Includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy, and kohlrabi.
2. Brassica rapa: Encompasses turnips, bok choy, rapini, and Chinese cabbage.
3. Brassica nigra: Black mustard.
4. Brassica juncea: Brown mustard, used for mustard greens and seeds.
5. Brassica napus: Includes rapeseed (source of canola oil) and rutabaga.
6. Raphanus sativus: Radish, including daikon.
7. Armoracia rusticana: Horseradish.
8. Eruca vesicaria: Arugula (rocket).
9. Sinapis alba: White mustard.

Ornamental and Flowering Plants

1. Alyssum: Includes sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima).
2. Iberis: Candytuft.
3. Hesperis matronalis: Dame’s rocket.
4. Lunaria annua: Honesty or money plant.
5. Erysimum: Wallflower.

Weeds and Wild Species

1. Cardamine: Bittercress.
2. Barbarea: Wintercress or yellow rocket.
3. Capsella bursa-pastoris: Shepherd’s purse.
4. Lepidium: Pepperweed.
5. Thlaspi: Pennycress.

Other Notable Members

1. Isatis tinctoria: Woad, historically important as a source of blue dye.
2. Schizopetalon: A genus of plants native to South America.
3. Nasturtium officinale: Watercress.
4. Camelina sativa: False flax or gold-of-pleasure.
5. Cakile: Sea rocket.