Eruca sativa (Arugula)

Native from the Mediterranean region through parts of Asia to China and the Arabian Peninsula, this annual herb has an upright, often hairy stem and deeply lobed lower leaves. Creamy white to yellow flowers have four broad petals crossed by purple veins. The flower stalk elongates as slender, beaked seed pods develop. Known as arugula or rocket, the plant has long been cultivated for its peppery salad leaves and, in some regions, for seed oil. It has been introduced widely beyond its native range. Photographed in Colombia.