The name "cruciferous vegetables" is itself undergoing change! This group of vegetables was originally named for the four equal-sized petals in its flowers that could be viewed as forming a cross-like or crucifix shape. But many scientists are starting to favor the term "brassica vegetables" over "cruciferous vegetables" and the traditional name of this plant family in Latin, Cruciferae, is now being largely replaced by the Latin name Brassicaceae. (In Latin, the word "brassica" simply translates as "cabbage," and cabbage is definitely a featured member of this vegetable group.)