230 BRASSICACEOUS PLANTS. 



BROCCOLI. 



Brassica oleracea var. 



In its structure and general habit the Broccoli resembles 

 the Cauliflower. Between these vegetables the marks of dis- 

 tinction are so obscurely defined that some of the white 

 varieties of Broccoli appear to be identical with the Cauli- 

 flower. Botanists divide them as follows : 



The Cauliflower has generally a short stalk, and white- 

 ribbed, oblong leaves. The stem by which the flower is 

 supported unites at the head of the primary branches into 

 thick, short, irregular bundles, in the form of a corymb. It 

 appears to be a degeneration of the Brassica oleracea costata, 

 or Portugal Cabbage. 



In the Broccoli the stalk is more elevated, the leaf-nerves 

 less prominent, the pedicles, or stems, connected with and 

 supporting the flower, or head, less thick and close. They 

 are also longer ; so that, on becoming fleshy, they resemble 

 in shape the young shoots of asparagus ; hence the name of 

 " Asparagoides," given by ancient botanists to Broccoli. It 

 seems to be a degeneration of the " Chou cavalier," or tall, 

 open Cabbage. 



Cultivation, by improving the finer kinds of White Broc- 

 colis, is narrowing the distinctive marks ; but, although so 

 nearly alike, they must ever remain really distinct, inasmuch 

 as they derive their origin from two very distinct types, viz., 

 the Portugal Cabbage and the Tall Curled Kale. The 

 Cauliflower also originated in the south of Europe, and 

 the Broccoli in the north of Europe, either in Germany or 

 Britain. 



Seed. Broccoli-seeds are rarely raised in this country ; 

 most of the supply being received from France or England. 

 In size, form, and color, they are similar to those of the Cab- 

 bage or Cauliflower. An ounce may be calculated to pro- 





