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Description
Bunias Orientalis, commonly known as Turkish rocket or Oriental rocket, is a flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters, with a spread of 0.5 meters. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated in the United States as an ornamental plant or for its edible leaves and seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Bunias |
Appearance
Bunias Orientalis has a rosette of large, glossy, dark green leaves that are pinnately lobed and can grow up to 50 cm long. The stems are thick, erect, and branched, with numerous small yellow flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers are followed by long, thin seed pods that can reach up to 30 cm in length.
Care Guide
Bunias Orientalis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can thrive in most soil types, including poor soils, and can withstand drought conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here are some care tips for Bunias Orientalis:- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the first growing season, to help establish its roots. After that, it can tolerate dry spells.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year before the growing season.- Soil: This plant can grow in most soil types but prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Bunias Orientalis requires full sun exposure to grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: It can tolerate a wide range of hardiness zones, from 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bunias Orientalis is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Bunias Orientalis is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in dry, rocky areas and along roadsides. It has been introduced to North America, where it is commonly planted as an ornamental plant or for its edible leaves and seeds. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as abandoned fields or along railway tracks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bunias Orientalis edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and seeds of Bunias Orientalis are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
Q: How long does Bunias Orientalis take to grow?
A: Bunias Orientalis can take up to 2-3 years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Bunias Orientalis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Bunias Orientalis can be grown in large containers as long as they have adequate drainage and enough space for the plant to grow.
Q: Does Bunias Orientalis attract bees?
A: Yes, the small yellow flowers of Bunias Orientalis attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
– Brassica oleracea- Raphanus sativus- Sinapis alba- Eruca vesicaria- Lepidium sativum
References
– “Bunias orientalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287292.- “Bunias orientalis.” Plant of the Week, US Department of Agriculture, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BUOR.- “Turkish rocket.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/61711/bunias-orientalis/details.
