cauliflower, variety of cabbage, with an edible head of condensed flowers and flower stems. Broccoli is the horticultural variety (botrytis); both were cultivated in Roman times. Cauliflower is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Capparales, family Cruciferae.

Form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) in the mustard family, consisting of a compact terminal mass of greatly thickened, modified, and partially developed flower structures, together with their embracing fleshy stalks. This terminal cluster forms a firm, white, succulent “curd” that is served as a cooked vegetable and is highly nutritious. The separated flower structures are also eaten raw.

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