The origin of the rape is uncertain, and it is now known only as a cultivated plant. The oil, expressed or extracted by solvents, is used for lubricating, cooking, and illuminating purposes, for fuel, and for the manufacture of soap and synthetic rubber. Canola oil is also obtained from rape and is becoming widely used as a cooking oil because it has none of the deleterious effects of cholesterol and is completely digestible. A cake made of the seed residue is a valuable stock feed and a good nitrogenous fertilizer.
Rape seed is used in birdseed mixtures.
Other similar species of Brassica are sometimes cultivated, especially in Asia for oil production. Listing from Electric Library , a pay service. No relevant pictures or maps found. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright 2000, Columbia University Press. Copyright 2001 Infonautics Corporation .