Erucastrum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard or cabbage family), order Brassicales, commonly known as dogmustards. The genus comprises approximately 25 accepted species distributed across Europe, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Members of Erucastrum are annual or perennial herbs that share the characteristic four-petaled flowers typical of the Brassicaceae family, along with silique-type seed pods. The genus is closely related to other mustard-family genera such as Brassica and Raphanus. Notable species include Erucastrum gallicum (dog mustard), which has naturalised widely beyond its European origin and become established as a weed in North America, and Erucastrum nasturtiifolium, native to the Mediterranean region. Other members include island endemics such as Erucastrum canariense from the Canary Islands, as well as species native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Distribution
Erucastrum species are native to Europe, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, with some species endemic to island groups such as the Canary Islands. Several species, notably Erucastrum gallicum, have expanded their range and become naturalised in North America and other regions outside their native range.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus Erucastrum belongs to the family Brassicaceae (order Brassicales) and comprises approximately 25 accepted species. It was treated historically under broader circumscriptions of related mustard genera; modern treatments place it as a distinct genus with species formerly assigned to Brassica and related groups. The GBIF backbone lists it as an accepted genus within Brassicaceae.
