Bunias erucago aka Southern Warty Cabbage

Bunias erucago is in Brassicaceae, the cabbage family. People call it corn rocket or southern warty cabbage. Kew gives its native range as the Mediterranean to Switzerland. It grows in temperate climates, where heat and cold stay mild. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future lists it across Europe and Turkey. It also lists Algeria and Tunisia. The plant grows in fields and beside roads, often on poor soil.

This short-lived plant is an annual or biennial. It lives for one year or two. It grows to about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. The sources give no width for a full-grown plant. Nor do they describe its leaves in detail. Its leaves, young stems, and roots provide food. Plants For A Future lists garden beds as a place to grow it. Its stated garden use is to grow fresh parts for food. The sources do not say how it serves as a plant for show.

Flowers bloom from May to August. Seeds ripen from July to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers by moving pollen. The plant is self-fertile: its own pollen can help it set seed. The sources give no flower colour or fruit shape. The plant still has flowers when its seeds start to ripen. Grow more plants from seed to raise them for leaves.

Choose a sunny spot; this plant cannot grow in shade. It grows in sand, loam, and clay, even with few nutrients. It accepts slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil. It likes moist soil, though it can grow on poor sites. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 6–9 and UK zone 7. Sow seeds where they will grow, from March to August. Seeds tend to sprout in about two weeks. Sow more than once for a supply of fresh young leaves.

Eat the leaves and young stems raw or cooked. Their fragrant taste goes well with beans. Use tender leaves in spring soups. Grate or slice the raw root for salads. Plants For A Future rates its food value three out of five. It reports no known hazards, uses as medicine, or other uses. This does not mean the plant is safe for pets. The source does not flag a risk of becoming a weed. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases that affect this species.