PLANT OF THE WEEK

Rapeseed is like honey to the bees

BEES love this, and in the past few decades it has transformed the English countryside, turning normally green fields into patches of eye-catching yellow. This year, however, rapeseed (Brassica napus), got off to a bad start because of the terrible winter weather. But this member of the mustard or cabbage family refuses to give in – thanks to the ability to root and flower in the most unusual of places. It may not be a garden plant, but it does have its merits – it’s also the third largest source of vegetable oil in the world.