Crambe orientalis aka Oriental Sea Kale

Crambe orientalis is a perennial in the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. Its native range runs from Türkiye into Central Asia and northwestern Afghanistan. Records also place it in Iran, Iraq, the Levant, and the Caucasus. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild habitats include fields, hills, dry slopes, and rocky ground. It also grows on clay soils.

Plants reach about 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall and wide. This makes them as broad as they are tall. They have deep roots and dislike root disturbance. The thick root is also one of the edible parts. Flowers appear in June, and seeds ripen in August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between flowers. The supplied species records give no details about flower colour or leaf shape.

This species is easy to grow in a good loam. Choose an open, sunny site with shelter from strong winds. It also tolerates some shade and poor soil. Sandy, loamy, and heavy clay soils can all suit it. Neutral to mildly alkaline soil is suitable, while acid soil is disliked. The moisture guidance differs within the source. Its cultivation notes favour rather dry soil, while its summary favours moist soil. The source reports hardiness to about -4°F (-20°C). It lists USDA zones 6–9.

Cultivated beds provide a place to grow this edible perennial. Cook the leaves before eating them. Harvest immature flowering stems for use raw or cooked, much like broccoli. The cooked root can replace horseradish as a condiment. Plants For A Future gives its food value three out of five. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses.

Raise plants from seed or divide them in spring or autumn. Seed can take three to 26 weeks to germinate at 59°F (15°C). A cold frame is suggested because germination may be slow. Move young plants to their final site once about 4 inches (10 centimetres) tall. Keep their dislike of root disturbance in mind when planning moves. Slugs can damage young plants, so seedlings may need protection. The source does not flag the species as weedy.