Brassica napus L.
Family: Brassicaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
Brassica napobrassica (L.) Miller
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
rapeseed mustard, canola
Primary Disseminule Type
seed
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit a dehiscent silique, ± terete, linear, smooth to somewhat constricted between seeds, glabrous, (3.5)5–10(11) cm long x (2)3.5–5 mm wide including the apical beak (=terminal segment) which is (5)9–16 mm long, each of the 2 valvular segments with 12–20(30) seeds.
Seed ovoid to nearly globose, 1.5–2.7(3) mm diameter, often without a distinct ridge or groove representing the position of the radicle. Surface glabrous, light-brown or orangish to purplish-brown or black, finely reticulated, interspaces of mature seeds typically pitted.
Hilar region a flush or slightly raised white linear ridge partially bisecting a darker-colored circular area that is slightly convex.
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