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Does anyone know the difference between a non-hearting cabbage and a kale? It may simply be that one tastes stronger than the other, or there may be something more definite.

Botanically Cabbages including non-hearting ones belong to Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata.
Kales (collards, borecole, coleworth) belong to Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala

Thanks. I thought there had to be a distinction somewhere. The question now, of course, is how do botanists distinguish the two? A variety difference doesn't necessarily amount to much.

Ohh..you do come up with some questions.. ;D Well..you got me interested to find that out...I can't stand un-answered questions..once I got something in my brain, I have to find out.. ::) I think it is the bits in flower that differ from one to other..
I'm sure I've got your answer somewhere in my bookshelf..I'll be back unless somebody else can provide..

Nothing on my bookshelf that would go that 'techical'..but something in here..
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv053..I'm still on look out for more exact info.

I just keep coming to the very visual info where ever I look..
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/rhodcv/hort410/cole/co00001.htm