Is cauliflower related to a cabbage?

Yes, cauliflower is related to cabbage. They are both members of the same plant family, the Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard family.

Here's a breakdown of their relationship:

* Species: Cauliflower is *Brassica oleracea* var. *botrytis*, while cabbage is *Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata*. This means they share the same species but differ in variety.

* Evolutionary History: Cauliflower and cabbage evolved from a wild ancestor, *Brassica oleracea*, through selective breeding by humans. Different varieties were selected for different characteristics, resulting in the wide range of vegetables we see today, including broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.

So, while they may look and taste different, cauliflower and cabbage are indeed closely related.