Diplotaxis tenuifolia

(L.) DC.

Perennial wall rocket, Sand mustard

Brassicaceae Edible: Leaves, Vegetable 12,955 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Diplotaxis tenuifolia is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by the common name perennial wall-rocket. It is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows on disturbed ground and roadsides, and it can now be found throughout much of the temperate world where it has naturalized. In recent years it has increasingly been cultivated to produce salad leaves, which are marketed as wild rocket in Britain or arugula in the US. It is easily confused with garden rocket, which has similar uses.

Description

A cabbage family herb. It is a plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 0.2-1.2 m high. The leaves near the base are slightly lobed but the leaves on the stem are narrow and entire or with teeth. The leaves have an unpleasant smell when crushed. The flowers have sepals which spread out. The petals are bright yellow. The fruit stalks are also spreading. The pods are flattened and with a short beak. Seed are arranged in two rows.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten raw and work well in salads, where they contribute a very strong cress-like, hot flavour similar to rocket (Eruca vesicaria sativa) but more intense. They make an excellent addition to a mixed salad but are too pungent to eat in large quantities on their own. The plant is highly productive, yielding leaves from early spring through to autumn.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten raw in salads and boiled in soups. They have a peppery taste.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows well in sandy soils. It can grow on beach sand and limestone. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in salty conditions. Tasmania Herbarium. It suits hardiness zone 7.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, Europe*, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Scandinavia, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seeds. They can be transplanted.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ as soon as it is ripe for best results, though spring sowing in situ is also possible. Germination typically occurs in autumn.

Other Uses

None known.

Other Information

It is commonly cultivated. It is sold in local markets.

Synonyms

Brassica muralis Huds.Crucifera tenuifolia E. H. L. KrauseDiplotaxis fruticulosa Tod. ex CaruelDiplotaxis ramosissima Spreng.Diplotaxis tanaitica Schtscherb.Diplotaxis variabilis RochelEruca muralis P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Schreb.Eruca perennis Mill.Eruca tenuifolia MoenchErysimum tenuifilium Clairv.Sisymbrium acre Lam.Sisymbrium tenuifolium L.

Also Known As

Aruca sarvaggia, Divlja rikula, Flor amarilla, Lincoln weed, Napor, Ruca, Ruchetta, Rucoletta, Rucola selvatica, Ruqueta, Sand rocket, Tankolistni dvoredec, Turpenk

References (33)

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