Brassicaceae

Brassica was a named used by Pliny (born AD 23) for these plants. This old family is also known by the alternative name of Cruciferae the mustard or cabbage family. Many are used as condiments because of the oils that are present. Chiefly herbs with alternate leaves, simple or compound, maybe variously lobed, most have a mustard flavour when chewed. Inflorescence a raceme or corymb, calyx and corolla 4-merous, corolla usually yellow or white, stamens usually 4+2. Carpels 2, ovary superior, fruit usually dehiscent. Quite a few species are weeds. As well many are important commercially.