Turkish Rocket
Bunias orientalis, commonly known as Turkish rocket or warty cabbage, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Native to eastern Europe and western Asia, this plant has become naturalized in various parts of the world. Turkish rocket grows up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and features deeply lobed, lance-shaped leaves with a rough texture. The plant produces clusters of bright yellow flowers during the summer months, attracting pollinators. One distinctive feature of Bunias orientalis is its large, rounded seed pods that are covered in wart-like bumps, giving it the name "warty cabbage." Although not widely cultivated for its culinary use, the young leaves of Turkish rocket are edible and can be used as a pungent and slightly spicy addition to salads or cooked dishes. However, caution must be exercised as the plant can become invasive and potentially crowd out native vegetation. Due to its hardiness and unique appearance, Bunias orientalis is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.