peltaria

Peltaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, commonly known as the mustards. This genus contains a few species, all of which are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Asia. Plants in the Peltaria genus are typically low-growing herbaceous perennials. They are characterized by their basal rosettes of leaves and erect flowering stems that bear small white flowers. The flowers usually have four petals and are arranged in racemes. After flowering, they produce small, flattened silicles, which are a characteristic fruit type of the Brassicaceae family.

One of the most well-known species is Peltaria alliacea, often referred to as garlic-scented peltaria or wall-pepper. This species is distinguished by its strong garlic-like odor, which is particularly noticeable when the leaves are crushed. It is found growing in rocky, calcareous soils, often on walls or cliffs. Peltaria species are generally hardy plants, tolerating a range of conditions once established. They are not widely cultivated in gardens but can be found in rock gardens or specialist collections for their unique foliage and flowers. The genus name Peltaria is derived from the Greek word "pelte," meaning shield, likely referring to the shape of the seed pods.