Cabbage, comprising several cultivars of Brassica oleracea, is a leafy green, red & x28;purple& x29;, or white & x28;pale green& x29; biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. It is descended from the wild cabbage & x28;B. oleracea var. oleracea& x29;, and belongs to the & x22;cole crops& x22; or brassicas, meaning it is closely related to broccoli and cauliflower & x28;var. botrytis& x29;; Brussels sprouts & x28;var. gemmifera& x29;; and Savoy cabbage & x28;var. sabauda& x29;.