Lepidium oleraceum

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Lepidium oleraceum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Brassicales Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Lepidium Species: L. oleraceum
Binomial name
Lepidium oleraceum G.Forst. ex Sparrm.
Synonyms
Thlaspi oleraceum Poir. Nasturtium oleraceum (Poir.) Kuntze

Lepidium oleraceum is a herb in the Brassicaceae family, endemic to New Zealand. Its English common name is Cook's Scurvy Grass, Maori names include Heketara, Nau and Ngau^[1]

Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Distribution 3 Conservation status 4 Connection with James Cook 5 Uses 6 References

[edit] Taxonomy

There are three recognised varieties:^[2]

• var. frondosum Kirk
• var. acutidentatum Kirk
• var. serrulatum Thell.

[edit] Distribution

In New Zealand it is native to coastal areas of the North and South Islands, Stewart Island, the Three Kings Islands, the Snares Islands, the Chatham Islands, the Auckland Islands, the Antipodes Islands and the Bounty Islands.^[2][3] Although this species was once widespread, it is now mostly restricted to off-shore rock stacks and islets. ^[4]

[edit] Conservation status

The small populations are highly threatened, one of the reasons being reduced populations of seabirds which they are dependent on to provide highly fertile and disturbed soils associated with nesting grounds. Additionally the species is susceptible to browsing livestock, rodents, snails, aphids, leaf miners, Diamond Back Moth and Cabbage White Butterflys. It is also affected by White Rust (Albugo candida), a fungus-like disease. ^[4]

[edit] Connection with James Cook

During his voyages of exploration James Cook collected a number of plant species at various locations which were used to help ward off scurvy amongst his crew. While visting Tolaga Bay in New Zealand on his first voyage, Cook noted in his journal on 27 October 1769: "...the other place I landed at was the north point of the Bay where I got as much Sellery and Scurvy grass as loaded the Boat".^[5] Historian John Cawte Beaglehole believed that "Scurvy grass" in this case referred to Lepidium oleraceum.^[5]. Specimens of the plant were collected by botanists Johann and Georg Forster on Cook's second voyage. ^[6]

[edit] Uses

Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. They have a hot cress-like taste and are a rich source of vitamin C.^[7]

[edit] References