Family: Brassicaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis (fodder radish, oil radish) is a cultivated plant originally native to Eurasia and widely grown around the world for food. It is a fast-growing member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) that produces edible taproots in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as edible leafy greens. Radish is commonly used in salads, pickling, and cooking, and is also grown as a cover crop in some agricultural systems to help improve soil structure and reduce erosion.

Risks & Threats
Although widely cultivated, Raphanus sativus is naturalized across the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. It produces abundant seeds and can escape cultivation, allowing it to establish in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, and unmanaged areas. These traits raise concern because it can persist outside gardens and potentially compete with native or low-growing plant communities, particularly in disturbed tropical island ecosystems where native species may already be vulnerable. Because this species is already naturalized and widespread, it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if left unmanaged. In areas where it is not yet widely established, preventing further planting and spread is recommended. Where it is already present, efforts should focus on managing populations and reducing escape from cultivation. When available, choosing low-risk or native alternatives is encouraged to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Can become a weed of crops if allowed to set seed
  
• Raphanus sativus (wild radish) has become invasive
  
• Seeds potentially toxic to livestock if eaten in large quantities
  
• Host of pests and pathogens of crop plants such as broccoli, cabbage, radish, or other members of the mustard family
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other Raphanus species and varieties
  
• Annual. Reproductive in one growing season
  
• Seeds may be dispersed by machinery, water, possibly wind or as a produce contaminant, and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (5+ years)
  
• May tolerate glyphosate and mowing

Low Risk Traits:

• Variety reported to be weedy, but not naturalized
  
• Regarded as a beneficial cover crop in certain circumstances
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Ornamental
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Certain herbicides, hand pulling, and tilling may provide some effective control