Brassica oleracea - Flora of Qatar

Brassica oleracea is the species of plant that includes many common foods as cultivars, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy, kohlrabi and Chinese kale. In its uncultivated form it is known as wild mustard. It is native to coastal southern and western Europe. Its tolerance of salt and lime and its intolerance of competition from other plants typically restrict its natural occurrence to limestone sea cliffs, like the chalk cliffs on both sides of the English Channel.[+]

Wild B. oleracea is a tall biennial plant, forming a stout rosette of large leaves in the first year, the leaves being fleshier and thicker than those of other species of Brassica, adaptations to store water and nutrients in its difficult growing environment. In its second year, the stored nutrients are used to produce a flower spike 1 to 2 metres (3–7 ft) tall bearing numerous yellow flowers.

AI-generated Description

Brassica oleracea, also known as wild cabbage or broccoli, is a cool-season crop native to Europe and Asia. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in limited areas with suitable climate conditions. Research suggests that B. oleracea can be cultivated in Qatar's mild winter season, from December to February. Studies have also identified wild populations of B. oleracea in the northern regions of Qatar, particularly in the rocky outcrops and wadis (dry riverbeds) near the city of Al Ruwais. These findings indicate that the plant can thrive in Qatar's arid environment with proper irrigation and care.

Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea(?)) on Al Aasim Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 14, 2014

Al Aasim Street, Doha, Qatar

Wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) near Al Ghada Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, April 19, 2016

Malik Bin Anas St, Doha, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Brassica oleracea in Qatar reveal its presence in various areas of Doha. On March 14, 2014, the plant was spotted on Al Aasim Street in Musheirib area. Later, on April 18, 2016, it was found near Ammouriya Street in Onaiza area. Another sighting occurred on April 19, 2016, near Al Ghada Street in Al Luqta area. These observations suggest that Brassica oleracea can be found in different parts of Doha, potentially indicating its adaptability to the local environment. The plant's presence in these areas may be attributed to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, allowing it to naturalize and grow in urban settings. The sightings were made over a period of two years, providing insight into the plant's persistence and spread in Qatar. The plant was identified as wild cabbage in all observations.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Brassica oleracea L.

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Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article