Sylvetta

Sylvetta

Scientific Name:
Diplotaxis tenuifolia

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 28)

Introduction

Diplotaxis tenuifolia, commonly known as perennial wall-rocket or sylvetta, is a flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced to many temperate regions worldwide. The plant is valued for its edible leaves, which are often marketed as “wild rocket” or “arugula,” and it has medicinal properties. The scientific name Diplotaxis refers to the double row of seeds in each part of the fruit, a distinctive feature of this genus.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Diplotaxis tenuifolia is a glabrous herb with an erect or sprawling habit, growing up to 1.3 meters tall. It has deeply pinnate leaves that are often fleshy and have a peppery taste. The flowers are bright yellow with four petals and four sepals, arranged in a branched raceme.
• Growing Conditions: The plant thrives in disturbed ground and roadsides, preferring well-drained soil. It can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on the climate.
• Lifecycle: D. tenuifolia is typically perennial but can be cultivated as an annual. It flowers from late spring to early fall, depending on the region.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Diplotaxis tenuifolia could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several factors: - Nutritional Value: As a leafy green, it provides essential nutrients, making it a valuable crop for sustaining astronauts on long missions. - Ease of Growth: Its adaptability to various conditions and ability to grow in controlled environments make it suitable for space-based hydroponic or aeroponic systems. - Medicinal Properties: The plant’s medicinal uses could offer health benefits in space environments where access to medical facilities is limited.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Diplotaxis tenuifolia in space. However, plants from the Brassicaceae family, such as lettuce and radishes, have been grown in space as part of experiments to develop sustainable food systems for future missions. These experiments demonstrate the potential for leafy greens like D. tenuifolia to be grown in space, but specific research on this species is lacking.

---

Note: While there is no direct evidence of Diplotaxis tenuifolia being cultivated in space, its characteristics make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects.

---

Wikipedia. Diplotaxis tenuifolia.
Jepson eFlora. Diplotaxis tenuifolia.
NC State University. Diplotaxis tenuifolia.
Atlas of Florida Plants. Diplotaxis tenuifolia.
Go Botany. Diplotaxis tenuifolia.
General knowledge on space agriculture experiments.