Winter Radish (Raphanus sativus 'China Rose')

The Winter Radish ‘China Rose’ (Raphanus sativus ‘China Rose’) is a cultivar of the common radish (Raphanus sativus). While it’s named “China Rose”, the *species* itself has a complex origin story and doesn’t originate solely in China.

Here’s a breakdown:

* **Raphanus sativus (Radish) Origin:** The wild ancestor of the cultivated radish likely originated in **Asia**, possibly the **Mediterranean region, including areas around the Black Sea and the Near East.** There are multiple wild relatives, so pinpointing a single exact origin is difficult.

* **Cultivation and Diversification:** Radishes have been cultivated for thousands of years and spread widely throughout the world. Different types and cultivars have developed in various regions.

* **’China Rose’ Cultivar:** While the name suggests China, the specific origin of the *’China Rose’* cultivar itself is less clear. It’s more likely that the name refers to the appearance (rose color) rather than the geographic origin. It could have been developed in China, but equally likely in Europe or North America.

**In conclusion:**

* The *species* (Raphanus sativus) originated in **Asia/Mediterranean region.**
* The *cultivar* ‘China Rose’ likely doesn’t have a *specific* geographic origin tied to China, despite the name. It’s a widely grown cultivar.