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Plant Identification Learning Module:
Vegetables

Turnip (Brassica rapa)

Both tops and roots are edible. Leaves are green and fuzzy, and attached to slender succulent stems that often show purple coloration. Mustard and turnip leaves are similar but turnips show more definite notching of the margins and are not curly. The midrib of mustard is broader at the bottom and tapers towards the top while turnip leaves have a midrib that is more uniform from bottom to top. Roots are roundish or flat and all white or white with a purple top. The roots are similar to rutabaga but are smaller, rounder, and consistently white in color. The flesh is smooth, crisp and white. Seeds are cabbage-like.