Brassica juncea (L.) Czernajew
Family: Brassicaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
Brassica japonica (Thunb.) Siebold ex Miquel, Sinapis juncea L.
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
Indian mustard, brown mustard
Primary Disseminule Type
seed
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit a dehiscent silique, subcylindrical to somewhat compressed, linear, constricted between seeds, glabrous, (2)3–5(6) cm long x (1.5)2–2.5(5 mm) wide including the apical beak (=terminal segment) which is (4)5–10(15) mm long, each of the 2 valvular segments with 6–15(20) seeds.
Seed ovoid to nearly globose, (1)1.5–2 mm diameter, often with a ± distinct ridge representing the position of the radicle. Surface glabrous, yellow to purplish-brown or gray, finely reticulated (fine, distinct veins and large, shallow interspaces), interspaces of mature seeds typically pitted or otherwise stigmaticose.
Hilar region a flush or slightly raised white linear ridge on a circular area that is the same color or slightly darker than the seed coat.
Embryo bent, cotyledons conduplicate, endosperm lacking.
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI