World's Weirdest Brassica? Meet Tiganophyton Karasense

[chromedome]

Among the new species to gain "official status" in 2020* is an oddball scaly shrub found on searingly hot, saline plains in Namibia (the Greek root of the species name refers to a frying pan). Genetic analysis demonstrated that despite its cactus-like exterior, the plant is actually a brassica. Once you know that, its appearance makes some kind of sense...it looks like a Brussels sprout as designed by Tim Burton. 

 

http://novataxa.blogspot.com/2020/04/tiganophyton.html

 

*ie, it has been genetically profiled, described authoritatively for the record, and given a formal name

[gfweb]

Looks tasty to me.

 

@JoNorvelleWalker?

[heidih]

Classified as IUCN vulnerable. VU D1. (threatened ecosystem) No mention of edibility. Don't think Frieda's Produce will be carrying it. Some idiot poacher/smuggler will steal to sell to "mad for different" collectors. I think brussels sprout are safe as preferable