Fig. 513. Round Rape-Cole (1)

The Description.

            1. The first kind of Rape-Cole hath one single long root, garnished with many thready strings: from which riseth up a great thick stalk, bigger than a great Cucumber or great Turnip: at the top whereof shooteth forth great broad leaves, like unto those of Cabbage Cole. The flowers grow at the top on slender stalks, compact of four small yellow flowers: which being past the seed followeth enclosed in litle long cods, like the seed of Mustard.

            2. The second hath a long fibrous root like unto the precedent; the tuberous stalk is very great and long, thrusting forth in some few places here and there, small footstalks, whereupon do grow smooth leaves, slightly indented about the edges: on the top of the long Turnip stalk grow lean stalks and flowers like the former. This second differs from the former only in the length of the swolllen stalk, whence they call it Caulorapum longum, or Long Rape Cole.

The Place.

            They grow in Italy, Spain, and some places of Germany, from whence I have received seeds for my garden, as also from an honest and curious friend of mine called Master Goodman, at the Minories near London.

The Time.

            They flower and flourish when the other Coleworts do, whereof no doubt they are kinds, and must be carefully set and sown, as Musk Melons and Cucumbers are.

The Names.

            They are called in Latin, Caulorapum, and Rapocaulis, bearing for their stalks, as it were Rapes and Turnips, participating of two plants, the Colewort and Turnip; whereof they took their names.

The Temperature and Virtues.

            There is nothing set down of the faculties of these plants, but are accounted for dainty meat, contending with the Cabbage Cole in goodness and pleasant taste.