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Podding radish facts for kids

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Podding radish
Rat-tail-radish-pods2-11July2020 02.jpg
Pods of rat-tail radish Raphanus sativus var caudatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
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Order:
Family:
Genus:
Raphanus
Species:
R. caudatus
Binomial name
Raphanus caudatus

The rat-tail radish is a special kind of plant known for its long, edible seed pods. People also call it the serpent radish or tail-pod radish. It belongs to the same plant family as the regular radish you might eat.

Its scientific name is Raphanus caudatus. A famous scientist named Carl Linnaeus first described it. Sometimes, it's seen as a special type of the common radish.

Where It Grows

This interesting plant is mostly found in India and Southeast Asia. Many people believe it first came from China. It was brought to England from Java around 1815. This was the first time people in the Western world knew about it.

What Makes It Special

Unlike common radishes, which are grown for their crunchy roots, the rat-tail radish is grown for its unique pods. These pods are long and thin, looking a bit like a rat's tail or a small snake. This is how it got its name!

The pods are usually eaten when they are young and tender. They have a mild, slightly spicy taste. People often use them in salads or stir-fries.

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Podding radish Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.