Foeniculum Vulgare
Family: Umbelliferae/Apiaceae
English: Fennel
In summer the flowers of this fennel spread a deep yellow, scented carpet upon the soil of the Greek countryside. It is a perennial plant occurring along roadsides, coastal areas, wetlands and rocky mountain areas. Its roots, leaves, even its seeds are edible and have been used in popular medicine since antiquity.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were skilled in the use of this plant. They used it as condiment to highly regarded meals. Its tender leaves and shoots are collected from December to April, before the plant blossoms, and consumed just like any other vegetable.
Pliny has provided us with a list of 22 medicinal applications of the fennel. He says also that the plant helps snakes shed their skin. The Chinese and the Hindus used it as a strong antidote to snake and scorpion bites. From this plant (incl. its roots) an excellent tonic is extracted which is also good for digestion. It facilitates milk secretion in women and is an excellent diuretic.
Popular Greek names:
"Maranthos", "Maratho", "Amarathia", or "Amaraza".
