| Ridolfia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ridolfia segetum | |
Scientific 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 | |
Ridolfia segetum, calledfalse fennel,[1]corn parsley, orfalse 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. Theglabrous leaves are finely divided several times withfiliform 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).
The seeds and leaves contain anessential oil and the plant has a strong odor. The essential oil contains the chemicalsα-phellandrene,α-terpinolene,β-phellandrene, anddillapiol.[2]
The leaves can be eaten in its raw form or cooked,[3] and are used as an herb in the pickle industry.