The complexity of life.

Living things are always complex structures. This is a slice through a Brassica tuber showing its complicated anatomy.

Language is equally complex: In Southern England Brassica rapa is known as a turnip but in Scotland it is called a swede (short for Swedish turnip). Brassica napus on the other hand is known as a swede in Southern England but in Scotland as a yellow turnip or neep. It is for such reasons that biologists prefer to use scientific names which remain the same wherever you find yourself.

The slice is from a Scottish neep.

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