White wall rocket

White wall rocket

Scientific Name:
Diplotaxis erucoides

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

• Wasabi (ID: 107)
• Default (ID: 27)

Introduction

Diplotaxis erucoides, commonly known as white wallrocket or white rocket, is an annual herb belonging to the family Brassicaceae. Native to the West Mediterranean region, it is classified as a dicotyledonous plant within the order Brassicales. This plant is not native to California and is considered a non-native species in some regions. The genus Diplotaxis includes several species, but D. erucoides is notable for its adaptability and potential uses in various environments.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Diplotaxis erucoides grows up to 20–60 cm tall, with an erect, sparsely pubescent stem and pinnatisect leaves that can reach up to 15 cm in length. The plant produces racemes of white flowers, each with four petals measuring 7–10 mm in length, and four sepals. The fruit is a siliqua, typically 25–33 mm long, containing 40–80 seeds arranged in two parallel series.
• Growing Conditions: As an annual herb, D. erucoides thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, typical of Mediterranean climates. It is adaptable to various soil types but prefers those with good moisture retention.
• Lifecycle: The lifecycle of D. erucoides includes germination, growth, flowering, and seed production within a single growing season. It can be grown in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for different agricultural settings.

Why is this crop useful for space?

While there is no specific information on Diplotaxis erucoides being cultivated in space, plants from the Brassicaceae family are generally of interest for space agriculture due to several factors:

• Nutritional Value: Brassicaceae plants are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a valuable crop for providing essential nutrients in space missions.
• Adaptability: Many Brassicaceae species are adaptable to controlled environments, which is crucial for space cultivation where conditions can be highly controlled and optimized.
• Compact Growth: The relatively compact growth habit of D. erucoides could be advantageous in space environments where space is limited.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Diplotaxis erucoides in space. However, other Brassicaceae species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, have been used in space research due to their small size, rapid growth cycle, and genetic tractability. These characteristics make them ideal for studying plant growth and development in microgravity environments.

References: - Calflora: Information on California plants - Wikipedia: Diplotaxis erucoides - Flora of North America: Diplotaxis erucoides - iNaturalist: White Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides) - USDA Plants Database: Diplotaxis erucoides

Note: The varieties mentioned (Wasabi) do not appear to be directly related to Diplotaxis erucoides but might refer to other plants or cultivars within the Brassicaceae family. Wasabi is typically associated with Wasabia japonica, a different genus and species.