Broccoli originates from the wild cabbage plant, Brassica oleracea, native to the coastal Mediterranean region, particularly the area around Italy and the eastern Mediterranean

. It was selectively bred and cultivated by ancient Italians, especially during Roman times, to develop the large edible flower buds and stalks we recognize today as broccoli

. The vegetable was likely improved through artificial selection in southern Italy or Sicily and has been cultivated for over two thousand years

. Broccoli was introduced to northern Europe by the 18th century and brought to North America in the 19th century by Italian immigrants

. The name "broccoli" comes from the Italian word "broccolo," meaning "the flowering crest of a cabbage," reflecting its botanical relationship to cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables

. In summary, broccoli is a human-developed vegetable derived from wild cabbage, with its origins in the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy, where it was cultivated by the Romans and later spread to Europe and America.