Perennial tree. Capable of growing beyond 2 meters. Portuguese Walking Stick Tree collards provide large cabbage-like leaves which can be eaten raw or cooked. The young stems are sweet and taste similar to broccoli stalk and cabbage. The purple veined variant will change it's leaf colour to sweet purple before frosts. In Brassica's, this can be a sign of sugars being used as a form of antifreeze, protecting the leaf from light frosts. If grown well, this collard provides an extra use at the end of it's life, by providing a wooden cane, which can be used as a ... walking stick. Binomial Brassica oleracea Growing Tips Grows well in full sun, can grow in part shade. Keep well watered. Fertile soil, rich in organic matter. Although this collard can last several years, it is best to take a cutting or two of new branches in late Winter and early Spring to ensure it's continuation. Fri 24th August 2018 Tree Collard Garden Photo