2. Raphanus sativus L. (radish, garden radish)
Pl. 324 g–i; Map
1379
Roots noticeably thickened, fleshy. Stems (10–)30–80(–130) cm long. Basal
leaves 5–25 cm long, the stem leaves 2–10 cm long (to 100 cm elsewhere). Sepals
(5.5–)8.0–11.0 mm long. Petals 15–20 mm long, purple, pink, or rarely nearly
white, with dark purple veins. Fruits (1–)3–6 cm long, 5–15 mm wide, corky, the
beak 1–3(–4) cm long, not or only slightly narrowed between the seeds, the
surface smooth or faintly ribbed, at maturity remaining indehiscent, the stalk
0.5–4.0 cm long. Seeds 1–4 per fruit, 2.5–4.0 mm in diameter, globose or nearly
ovoid. 2n=18. May–August.
Introduced, uncommon and sporadic (native of Europe, Asia, Africa, introduced
widely but sporadically in North America and Central America). Gardens,
railroads, and roadsides.
The cultivated radish is quite variable morphologically, and a number of
cultivars and infraspecific taxa have been named. Outside of Missouri, it
hybridizes with R. raphanistrum.