Carum verticillatum (L)Koch Whorled Caraway
NOMENCLATURE
Carum : see C. carvi.
verticillatum : whorled.
BSBI Picture Link to Carum verticillatum
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
TYPE : erect glaborous perennial. Hr. ROOTS :: fusiform, fibres thickening downwards.
STEMS : little branched, striate, solid, nearly leafless.
Surrounded at base by fibourous remains of petioles. HEIGHT : 30-60cm.
UMBELS : compound, 2-5cm diam. Flat topped. Rays 8-14, 1.5-4cm,smooth,
subequal. Peduncle > than rays, leaf opposed. Hermaphrodite.
LEAVES : simply pinnate, linear-oblong, mostly basal. Segments > than 20 pairs, palmately
multifid. Lobes 5mm, filiform, appear as if whorled, lowest 1mm, upper 10mm. Petiole short.
Cotyledons tapered at base, without petiole.
BRACTS : up to 10, lancolate, accumiate or aristate, short, acute, reflexed.
Bracteoles similar but not deflexed.
FLOWERS :white, pinkish. Calyx teeth minute. Petals notched with
inflexed point. Styles form stylopodium. Fl. 7-8.
FRUIT : 2.5mm long, ellipsoid, laterally compressed, smooth. Commisure narrow. Ridges
prominent, acute. Carpels with 5 slender ridges. Carpophore present. Vittae solitary, wide.
Pedicels 3-5mm. Styles > than stylopodium. Stigma slightly thickened. 2n=20.
HABITAT : acid marshes, damp grassy places.
DISTRIBUTION : native. Very local, W. Britain N. & W. Ireland. 1 location
Surrey & Aberdeen. W. Europe, N. to Scotland & Netherlands.
BSBI Distribution Map for Carum verticillatum
EDIBLE USES : Grown for fruits, used in flavouring in bread & liquors.
Leaves as a culinary vegetable. Roots as a vegetable.
EXTERNAL LINKS FOR Carum verticillatum
These links to trusted websites and institutions may provide in depth or additional information regards cultivation, chemistry, edibility, images etc. for the species. (Info may be synonymous with C.carvi). Links last updated Aug 2012.
BIO Images (UK) A Modern Herbal, M. Grieve (UK)
Medicinal Herb Info (USA) Celtnet recipes (UK)
'Online Guide To Umbelliferae Of The British Isles' Compiled By J.M.Burton 2002