There does not seem to be a consensus on the correct name for this species. Some treatments classify the plant as Raphanus caudatus L.; others as Raphanus sativus mougri H.W.J.Helm; still others as Raphanus sativus caudatus as used here(2013)[].

Common Name: Rat-Tail Radish

General Information

Rat-tailed radish is an erect, branched, annual plant growing around 45cm tall.
The plant is sometimes cultivated, especially in eastern Asia, for its large edible seedpods[, ]. This group of radishes does not produce roots of good quality, it is cultivated mainly for the edible young seedpods which are harvested in the summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

This plant's origin is uncertain, it possibly arose out of cultivation[].

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, flies
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, it can also be cultivated as an annual crop in the subtropics and temperate zone. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 12 - 26°c, but can tolerate 10 - 37°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 1,500mm, but tolerates 800 - 2,500mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a rich soil with ample moisture[, ]. Dislikes very heavy or acid soils[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.5[]. Plants are susceptible to drought and require irrigation during dry spells in the summer or the root quality will rapidly deteriorate and the plant will go to seed.
There are some named varieties[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked[]. A somewhat hot taste.

Flowers - raw. A nice spicy addition to salads.

Young seedpods - raw[, , , ]. Crisp and juicy, they must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous. They can grow more than 60cm long, but they tend to become tough and fibrous when more than 30cm long[].

Medicinal

Radishes have long been grown as a food crop, but they also have various medicinal actions. The roots stimulate the appetite and digestion, having a tonic and laxative effect upon the intestines and indirectly stimulating the flow of bile[]. Consuming radish generally results in improved digestion, but some people are sensitive to its acridity and robust action[].

The plant is used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, though the part of the plant used is not specified[].

The leaves, seeds and old roots are used in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints[].

The juice of the fresh leaves is diuretic and laxative[].

The seed is carminative, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[, , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of indigestion, abdominal bloating, wind, acid regurgitation, diarrhoea and bronchitis[].

The root is antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue, digestive and diuretic[, ]. It is crushed and used as a poultice for burns, bruises and smelly feet[]. Radishes are also an excellent food remedy for stone, gravel and scorbutic conditions[]. The root is best harvested before the plant flowers[]. Its use is not recommended if the stomach or intestines are inflamed[].

The plant contains raphanin, which is antibacterial and antifungal[, ]. It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, streptococci, Pneumococci etc[]. The plant also shows anti-tumour activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The growing plant repels beetles from tomatoes and cucumbers[, ]. It is also useful for repelling various other insect pests such as carrot root fly[].
Radishes are a good companion plant for lettuces, nasturtiums, peas and chervil, tomatoes and cucumbers[, ]. They are said to repel cucumber beetles if planted near cucumber plants and they also repel the vine borers which attack squashes, marrows and courgettes[]. They grow badly with hyssop[, ] and with grape vines[].

Other Uses

There is a fodder variety that grows more vigorously and is used as a green manure[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

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