Ridolfia segetum, called false fennel,[1] corn parsley, or false caraway, is an annual weed of the Mediterranean region. Its height is 40–100 centimetres (16–39 in). The stem is erect, striate, and branched. The glabrous leaves are finely divided several times with filiform leaflets. The upper leaves frequently reduced and the base of the petiole enlarged. The flowers are yellow, arranged in small umbels with almost uniform rays (10–60).

Ridolfia
Ridolfia segetum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Subfamily: Apioideae
Tribe: Apieae
Genus: Ridolfia
Moris
Species:
R. segetum
Binomial name
Ridolfia segetum
(L.) Moris

The seeds and leaves contain an essential oil and the plant has a strong odor. The essential oil contains the chemicals α-phellandrene, α-terpinolene, β-phellandrene, and dillapiol.[2]

The leaves can be eaten in its raw form or cooked,[3] and are used as an herb in the pickle industry.

References edit

  1. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  2. ^ Bicchi C, Rubiolo P, Ballero M, et al. (October 2009). "HIV-1-inhibiting activity of the essential oil of Ridolfia segetum and Oenanthe crocata". Planta Medica. 75 (12): 1331–5. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1185546. PMID 19347799. S2CID 9813693.
  3. ^ Lentini F, Venza F (2007). "Wild food plants of popular use in Sicily". J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 3: 15. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-3-15. PMC 1858679. PMID 17397527.

External links edit