Morphological characteristics and chromosome numbers were compared to clarify the distinction between Crambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R. E. Fries and C. hispanica L. Chromosome numbers and basal leaf shapes proved to be the most reliable distinctive features. Length and structure of the lower fruit segment do not give a clear species distinction. Three accessions including the cultivar ‘Indy’ that were introduced as C. hispanica were re‐identified as C. abyssinica. PI 370747 is the first recorded wild collection of C. abyssinica from Turkey. C. hispanica var. glabrata (DC.) Coss. differed from C. hispanica in chromosome number (n=15 and n=30), pericarp and seedcoat color, fruit size, and in length of the lower segment of the fruit.The average erucic acid content, just under 60%, in the seedoils of C. hispanica (PI 337996) and C. hispanica var. glabrata (PI 372928) was quite similar to that of C. abyssinica.