It is used in the production of cosmetics and toiletries, plastics, lubricants, lacquers, detergents, pharmaceuticals and others. There are two main classifications of oilseed rapes Brassica campestris variety oileifera and Brassica napus variety oileifera . Although they are separate species they are generally grouped under the names rapeseed or rape. These rapes have a somewhat lengthy tap root with many horizontal laterals branching off. This crop is usually grown as an annual but when grown as a perennial the root system is generally much more penetrating.
Rape is well branched.
However this branching is dependent on population diversity or proximity. This also affects the height in which it starts branching. The stems are usually round and upright and usually green but turning yellowish with an increase in age. Stem heights vary but are 80-150 cm in most areas. However, they have been known to grow as high as 250 cm in Victoria Australia.