Several species of plants belonging to the mustard or cabbage family can be found growing in the Maltese countryside. Some, such as the wild turnip, are very common and grow in such profusion that they can carpet uncultivated fields in yellow.
The wild turnip is known in Maltese as liftija. This species flowers mainly from November to April. Many cultivated varieties of this species have been created by agronomists. These include the turnip, which in Maltese is known as nevew, and turnip rape, from which a type of canola oil is made.
Rapini or broccoli rabe is a variety widely grown in Italy where it is known as cime di rapa. It originated in Italy but has been introduced by Italian immigrants to many parts of the world including the US and Australia. It could probably grow very well in Malta during the winter months but, as far as I know, it has never been cultivated here. Many vegetables that are cultivated in neighbouring countries would probably grow very well in the Maltese islands too, if only local farmers or vegetable gardeners would experiment with these varieties.
The wild turnip can be confused with the perennial wall rocket known in Maltese as ġargir isfar. This species flowers throughout the year, although the number of plants in flower varies at different times of the year depending on rainfall. In summer, the number of flowering plants is at a minimum, while in September and October, after the first autumn rains, this species tends to be the most common yellow flowering plant.
Many vegetables that are cultivated in neighbouring countries would probably grow very well in the Maltese islands too
The leaves of the perennial wall rocket are edible and can be used in salads. They have a strong flavour reminiscent of cress and rocket.
The two species, although very similar, can be told apart on close inspection by the shape of their leaves. The wild turnip has oval leaves with rounded ends, while the perennial wall rocket has irregularly shaped leaves which give off a strong unpleasant smell when crushed.
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