Canola/oilseed rape

What is canola? Canola is a yellow-flowering plant widely grown for the soil that can be pressed from its seeds.

Canola growing in a farmer's field. Note the bright yellow colour.

Canola (which name comes from Canadian oil) and oilseed rape (traditional), is a member of the brassica (cabbage and turnip) family, was developed from rapeseed, an oilseed plant used since ancient times as a fuel. The word "rape" in rapeseed comes from the Latin word rapum meaning turnip. Mustard is also part of the same family. It is now used in food as well as a biofuel. It is common in fields in N America and Europe, flowering in late spring.

Video: Canola (oilseed rape).
Video: Canola (oilseed rape).
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