Upland cress

Upland cress

Scientific Name:
Barbarea verna

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 18)

Introduction

Barbarea verna, commonly known as American cress, land cress, or upland cress, is a biennial herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to southwestern Europe and western Asia, it has been naturalized in other regions, including North America. This plant has been cultivated as a leafy green vegetable since the 17th century in England, serving as a substitute for watercress due to its lower water requirements. Its versatility and ease of cultivation make it a valuable crop for various environments.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Barbarea verna is characterized by its hairy or glabrous stems, which can grow up to 90-130 cm tall. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, with clasping auricles at the base, featuring 4 to 11 pairs of sub-opposite lobes. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in terminal or lateral racemes. The plant produces long, slender seed pods.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in moist but well-drained soils, tolerating full sun to partial shade. The plant can be grown year-round by staggering sowing dates. It is generally disease-free but may be susceptible to flea beetles.
• Lifecycle: Barbarea verna is typically biennial, forming an overwintering rosette after autumn germination. It blooms in the spring of its second year.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Barbarea verna could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Water Efficiency: It requires less water than watercress, making it suitable for environments with limited water resources, such as space missions. - Nutritional Value: As a leafy green, it provides essential nutrients, which are crucial for maintaining health during long-duration space missions. - Ease of Cultivation: It can be grown in controlled environments with minimal space and resources, making it a viable option for hydroponic or aeroponic systems in space.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Barbarea verna in space. However, its characteristics make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on sustainable and efficient food production systems. General research on space agriculture has explored various crops, but specific experiments with Barbarea verna have not been documented. As space exploration continues, plants like Barbarea verna may be considered for their adaptability and nutritional value.