The Mustard Family Brassicacea/Cruciferae

1. The Mustard FamilyBrassicacea/Cruciferae • Patterns: • The structure of the flowers is very similar amongst the family • Most species are similar to the radish (weedy) • Species are usually found in areas where weeds grow such as a garden or construction site • Mustard seed pods vary in shape in size but always form the same pattern on the stalk of the flower in a raceme. *Easy way to identify a mustard species* • Similar taste and smell amongst all the different species • To identify: • Mustard flowers have 4 petals (often shaped like an X or H and yellow, green purple or white) with 6 stamens *4 tall and 2 short* • 4 sepals that are usually green Examples of the Family: mustard, horseradish, wasabi, capers, radish, turnip, canola, rapseed oil, cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower Brussels sprouts, wintercress • Facts: All species of the mustard family are edible • The everyday mustards you eat are made from the seeds of the black mustard • The Family’s Scientific Name Cruciferae signifies “cross bearing” because the four petals of the mustard flowers resemble a cross (x-shape) http://plantspecies.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_mustard_family http://www.wildflowersofontario.ca/mustard.html http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Public%20Tour%20Stuff/Tour%20Announcements/Forest.4.25.10.html