Brassica balearica Pers.

Spice Flowers In the field 1 In the field 2

Family: CRUCIFERAE (BRASSICACEAE)

Genus: Brassica

Catalan common name: Col borda.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean (Balearic)

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Chameophyte.

Habitats: Rock crevices and cliff faces. Rock creviceses and cliff faces.

Characteristics: Brassica balearica is an endemism exclusive to Mallorca. It lives in the Serra de Tramuntana (northern mountain range) occupying rocky crevices in the rocky cliff faces of mountains, generally in shady places. It is characterised by its shiny, fleshy leaves with wavy margins which are concentrated at the base of the plant. There is no other plant in the rocky crags with similar leaves; it is unmistakable.