>Would someone clarify the scientific name for
>rapeseed for me? Is it Brassica rapa or
>Brassica napa?
>>Tom W.
>Southfield, MI
Rapeseed is Brassica rapa var. oleifera. Brassica napus (note: napus not
napa) is Rutabaga. However, there is an "Oil Rape" that is Brassica napus
var. oleifera. The problem here, as usual, is that the common names like
"Rapeseed" and "Oil Rape" are not controlled and are often used for several
varieties.
Source: Wisconsin Fast Plants Manual, pp 7-10.
Dr. David W. Kramer
Department of Plant Biology
Ohio State University at Mansfield
1680 University Drive
Mansfield, OH 44906-1547
(419) 755-4344 FAX: (419) 755-4367
e-mail: kramer.8 at osu.edu
