Hardy perennial plant ( Armoracia lapathifolia ) of the mustard family , native to Mediterranean lands and grown throughout the temperate zones.
Its hotly pungent, fleshy root is used as a condiment and is traditionally considered medicinal. In many cool, moist areas it has become a troublesome weed. The plant bears small white flowers, small oblong pods, and large, coarse, glossy-green basal leaves arising on long stems from the crown atop the large white root.