Ridolfia

Ridolfia segetum, called false fennel,[1] corn parsley, or false caraway, is an annual weed of the Mediterranean region. Its height 40–100 cm. 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 segetum
Ridolfia segetum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae
Genus:
Ridolfia
Species:
R. segetum
Binomial name
Ridolfia segetum

The seeds and leaves contain an essential oil, and the plant has a strong odor. It is used as a herb in the pickle industry. The plant can be eaten in its raw form, or cooked.

Ridolfia segetum is also used for medicinal purposes. It is used in the Mediterranean as a medicine for regulating women’s menstrual periods, and to increase milk flow in nursing mothers. Additional medicinal uses are to prevent constipation, coughing, gas, respiratory tract infections, and lice.

References
  1. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-01-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
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