338 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



develop the sweetness and flavors for which they are so well 

 known only in the Northern States where the nights are cool. 



BRASSICA NAPUS (Rape) 



Description. — Rape is a biennial plant, growing to a 

 height of 2 to 3 feet. It thrives best in those regions with 

 cool summers. The stem is branched to a considerable 



Fig. 142. — Rutabaga (Brassica campestris). 



•extent. There is no swollen root. The lower leaves are 

 lyrate, the upper ones oval to lanceolate and clasping the 

 stem. The inflorescence is of the typical racemose type. 

 The flowers are bright yellow. The seeds are black or dark 

 purple. The seedlings and young plants resemble those of 

 B. campestris (rutabaga). 



Varieties and Uses. — The principal variety of rape in the 

 United States is Dwarf Essex or English rape. This is a 



