アブラナ科ダイコン属の一年草で、学名は Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus。英名は Japanese radish。
The Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) belongs to Brassiaceae (the Mustard family). It is an annual herb that is native from Central Asia to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. This herb was cultivated in Ancient Egypt. It was introduced into Japan in Jomon Era to Yayoi Era (about 10,000-2,500 years ago). The white to pale purple, four-petaled flowers come in March and April. This root is swollen and used for vagetables. It was called "Suzushiro" in ancient days. Photos 37th-38th and below show "cold drying" of Japanese radish.