Smyrnium olusatrum

Pferdeeppich ( Smyrnium olusatrum )

The Pferdeeppich, even ghost - yellow umbel or Alisander ( Smyrnium olusatrum ) is a flowering plant in the carrot family ( Apiaceae ).

Features

The Pferdeeppich grows as a biennial plant, reaching heights of growth from 50 to 150 cm, rarely up to 180 cm. The main root is thickened and reaches 50 to 60 cm in depth, thinner lateral roots run just below the surface. The leaves are three times ternate -pinnate, dark green shiny and hairless. The stipules are extended to remarkably large leaf sheaths. The individual leaflets are cut wide and crenate.

The doldigen inflorescences have male and hermaphrodite flowers in a ratio of about 4:1. The greenish- yellow to yellow-colored flowers have a diameter of 1.5 mm. The spherical black and the fruit has a diameter of 7 to 8 mm.

Occurrence

The Pferdeeppich grows in bushes and weeds corridors near the coast. This type probably originated in the Mediterranean region, but is also found along the European Atlantic coast to Denmark, as well as in the British Isles, probably due to the use and dissemination by humans.

Use

The Pferdeeppich is grown in Southern Europe, North Africa and the Canary Islands as a crop. The roots, leaves and young shoots can be used as a salad or vegetables. In the Middle Ages the Pferdeeppich was also used in Central Europe, he is mentioned among others in the Capitulare de vel curtis imperii villis.