- Daikon (Radish) Gallary -

This page features a collection of illustrations related to daikon radishes.

What kind of plant is Radish?

Daikon is a plant whose root grows straight deep into the ground, swelling and enlarging, hence its name written as “big root” (daikon). This large root is consumed as a vegetable throughout Asia and Europe. Japan, in particular, has exceptionally high daikon consumption globally, and it is sometimes referred to by its English name, “Japanese radish.” Most varieties called daikon are predominantly white, both on the surface and beneath the skin. The most common daikon in Japan is the “Aokubi Daikon,” characterized by its upper root section turning bluish and pale yellow-green. Other daikon varieties exist beyond just white ones—ranging from red and pink to even black—though the inner flesh of most varieties remains white. Some varieties have red or green flesh inside, making it surprisingly colorful. Sizes range from small to large, and the root shape is thought to have evolved based on soil conditions, leading to diverse growth patterns. The sight of one freshly dug from the soil is truly exciting.

Among the diverse appearances of plants, radishes come in many forms. Please feel free to search for and find the specific variety of radish you're looking for, one with a similar shape, or simply your favorite radish to use. If you can't find the radish you're looking for, or if you think, “I'd like an illustration of this variety of radish” or “It would be nice to have an illustration of a radish like this,” please let us know via the inquiry form. Your feedback encourages us to create illustrations and we would be very grateful. Thank you for your kind consideration.

List of Daikon Radish Illustration Pages

Below is a list of daikon radish illustration pages. Clicking on an illustration or its title will take you to the page where it is featured. On the illustration pages, you will find the full-size versions of the thumbnail illustrations listed below, as well as versions with black outlines and matte finishes.

A Little Corner for Daikon Radishes

Daikon from a Plant Classification Perspective

[Classification] Rosales > Brassicales > Brassicaceae > Raphanus genus > Raphanus species

Daikon radish is a plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, closely related to plants commonly known as rapeseed. Within this family, it occupies its own distinct classification called the “Brassica rapa” genus. Widely cultivated, daikon radish boasts numerous cultivated varieties, varying greatly in size and color. As evident from the diversity of varieties below the plant classification level, it is a plant that hybridizes relatively easily.

Daikon Radish by Place of Origin

[Place of origin] Undetermined

The origin of the radish's wild ancestor remains undiscovered, and thus its place of origin has not been definitively established. While the Mediterranean region and the Middle East are generally considered the most likely candidates, Central Asia is also thought to be the possible origin of modern cultivated varieties. However, the earliest cultivation record suggests that a close relative of the radish was used as food for pyramid construction laborers in ancient Egypt around 2200 BC. This implies that radish relatives, prone to hybridization, likely originated within Eurasia and its surrounding regions, spreading across the globe alongside human history.