Bunias orientalis

Turkish wartycabbage

Bunias orientalis is a herbaceous plant that can reach heights of up to 1.5 metres. The stems are erect and branched, with densely hairy lower parts and smooth upper parts. The leaves are irregularly notched, the lower leaves can grow up to 60 cm long and have a lanceolate shape. The flowers are yellow and form terminal, dense umbrella panicles that flower between May and July. The fruits are pods that can grow up to 2 cm long and contain up to 20 seeds. Each seed is surrounded by a hard shell that maintains its germination capacity for several years. The plant prefers disturbed sites, including roadsides, farmland and other agricultural areas, and is characterised by a high tolerance to different soil conditions, which favours its invasive nature.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Bunias orientalis can suppress native plant species in dry grassland communities, thereby reducing biodiversity. It can also inhibit the growth of crops and forest stands.

Economical damage

Bunias orientalis can suppress higher-value fodder grasses in grassland and thus damage grazing areas. The hay use of forage grasses is made difficult by the strong shoot axes.

Region of origin

Caucasus

Introduction vectors

Agriculture

The plant has been cultivated in the past as a fodder and green manure crop and can therefore unintentionally end up in seed packages.

Horticulture

The plant can be accidentally introduced into gardens as it is sometimes used as an ornamental plant.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The Brassicaceae family, also known as cruciferous or cabbage plants, comprises about 338 genera with around 3,710 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in temperate and cold climates. Typical of this family is the arrangement of the four petals in the shape of a cross. Most species are annual or perennial herbaceous plants, rarely semi-shrubs. Many species are economically important because they are used as vegetables, oil plants or fodder plants. These include cabbage, rape, mustard and cress. In addition, some species have medicinal applications and are used in plant research, such as the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana).

Climate change

Bunias orientalis has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, precipitation in summer and precipitation in winter.

Positive effects

The young leaves have a mild cabbage flavour that goes very well in a mixed salad. The flower stalks have a cabbage-like aroma and make a good broccoli substitute, although they are somewhat smaller.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Bunias orientalis where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.