Crambe orientalis

Linn.

Oriental sea kale

Brassicaceae Edible: Root, Stalks, Leaves 143 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A hardy perennial growing to 1.2 m tall and wide, suitable for UK zone 7. Flowers in June with seeds ripening in August. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, including nutritionally poor conditions. Grows in neutral to basic soils, semi-shade to full sun, and prefers moist conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The leaves are cooked. Immature flowering stems can be eaten raw or cooked and used like broccoli. The root is cooked; it is very thick and can serve as a horseradish substitute.

Traditional Uses

The very thick roots are used as a substitute for horseradish. The young flower stalks can be used like broccoli. The young leaves are eaten. It can produce an edible oil.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Europe, Iran, Middle East, Russia, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

An easily grown species, succeeding in a good loam and an open sunny position. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds. Tolerates poor soil and some shade. Dislikes acid soils. Prefers a rather dry soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A deep-rooted plant, it dislikes root disturbance.

Propagation

Seed — sow in March/April in a seedbed outdoors and either thin or transplant to permanent positions when plants are about 10cm tall. Young plants are very attractive to slugs and will often need protection. As germination can be slow, sowing in pots in a cold frame is preferable; germination usually occurs in 3–26 weeks at 15°c. Prick seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and plant out when at least 10cm tall. Divide in spring or autumn by digging up the root clump and cutting off sections, each with at least one growing point; larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions while smaller ones are best potted and grown on in a cold frame until established. Root cuttings 3–10cm long taken in spring can be planted directly in the ground or potted in a greenhouse and planted out once growing strongly.

Other Uses

None known.

Also Known As

Yabani turp

References (6)

Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 58
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 223
Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 28
Senkardes, I & Tuzlaci, E., 2016, Wild Edible Plants of Southern Part of Nevsehir inTurkey. Marmara Pharmaceutical Journal 20:34-43

Show all 6 references