foeniculum

Foeniculum is a genus of flowering plants in the carrot family Apiaceae. The best known species is Foeniculum vulgare, commonly called fennel, native to the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. The genus also includes cultivated forms such as Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum (Florence fennel) and other varieties, which in some classifications are treated as separate species or cultivars.

Plants are herbaceous, often perennial in mild climates, with hollow, ridged stems and finely dissected, feathery leaves. They produce umbels of small yellow flowers and bear seeds with a characteristic anise-like aroma. The edible use of fennel spans leaves, seeds, and, in Florence fennel, a swollen bulb at the base of the plant.

Distribution and cultivation: Foeniculum vulgare is native to the Mediterranean but is now widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions around the world. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow in hot conditions. Florence fennel forms a globe-shaped bulb and is particularly valued for its edible bulb, while other varieties are grown primarily for foliage and seeds.

Uses and chemistry: Culinary use is widespread, with the leaves as a herb, seeds as a spice, and the bulb of Florence fennel as a vegetable. The essential oil contains anethole and fenchone as major constituents, contributing to its distinctive flavor and fragrance. Medicinal uses have historical roots, but evidence for efficacy is limited; concentrated essential oil should be used with care.

Ecology and management: It attracts pollinators and can naturalize in suitable climates, occasionally behaving as a weed in gardens or fields. Pests and diseases include common Apiaceae associates such as aphids and fungal issues in humid conditions.