Broccoli is a plant from the species: "Brassica oleracea". It is a vegetable similar to cauliflower and cabbage. Broccoli has green flower heads and a stalk. It comes from Italy and was introduced to England and the United States around 1800, and 1900, and has become a well-liked food around the world. Purple cauliflower (violet cauliflower) is also a type of broccoli grown in North America and Europe. 