Sea Radish, Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. maritimus

Common Name: Sea Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. maritimus is very much a coastal plant, rarely being found growing inland. It is common on the western coasts of England and on Welsh coasts but is uncommon in the east. It can be found on the south western Scottish coasts but not in the north or the east.

This is one of those plants which can be a small straggling thing with a few flowers to a large bush. Yellow crucifers can be difficult to identify but Raphanus raphanistrum has very characteristic fruits which you can see in the third photo above. Ssp. maritimus is the commonest of the sub species.

From May to July its yellow flowers (20mm across) are held in terminal heads, the lower buds opening first and leaving behind them pods which have up to five beaded segments and which are not easily broken. The lower leaves are pinnate, the upper being narrow and entire. This is a native plant and belongs to the family Brassicaceae.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.