Broccoflower

Broccoflower

Green cauliflower
Species Brassica oleracea
Cultivar group Botrytis cultivar group

Broccoflower refers to either of two edible plants of the species Brassica oleracea with light green heads. The edible portion is the immature flower head (inflorescence) of the plant.

There are two forms of Brassica oleracea that may be referred to as broccoflower, both of which are considered cultivars of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) because they have inflorescent meristems rather than flower buds when harvested.[1] One is shaped like regular cauliflower, the other has a spiky appearance. They share a curd color that is a similar hue to that of broccoli.

Green cauliflower

Broccoflower can sometimes refer to green cauliflower (right), in contrast to white variants (left)

The first form of broccoflower has the physical attributes of a white cauliflower, but the curd color is lime-green. There are several cultivars of green cauliflower on the market, with the first release being 'Green Ball' with parentage of both broccoli and cauliflower.[2] The California firm Tanimura & Antle trademarked the word "Broccoflower" for the green cauliflower they market.[3]

Romanesco broccoli

Broccoflower, second meaning, is Romanesco broccoli

The second form is Romanesco broccoli, which is characterised by the striking and unusual fractal patterns of its flower head. It has a yellow or vibrant green curd color.

Broccoli and cauliflower are closely related and fully cross compatible by hand pollination or natural pollinators.[4]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Romanesco.
  1. ↑ Malatesta, M.; Davey, J.C. (1994). "Cultivar identification within broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck and cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.". Acta Horticulturae 407: ISHS Brassica Symposium - IX Crucifer Genetics Workshop.
  2. ↑ Honma, S.; Heech, O. (1971), Green Ball: A New Type of Cauliflower, Michigan State University, Agricultural Experiment Station
  3. ↑ "Broccoflower brand green cauliflower from Tanimura & Antle". Retrieved 2011-09-29.
  4. ↑ Watts, LE (1968). "Natural cross-pollination and the identification of hybrids between botanical varieties of Brassica oleracea". Euphytica. 17: 74–80. doi:10.1007/BF00038968.
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