Fennel
Fennel, a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The plant commonly grows three to seven feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) tall and bears loose, flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers. Its leaves are divided into threadlike segments. Fennel is widely cultivated for its leaves and fruits.
Fennel has fragrant leaves and loose clusters of yellow flowers.Fennel leaves are used in salads, soups, and sauces. The fruits are used to flavor liqueurs, medicines, and candies. Oil of fennel, obtained from the fruits, is used in medicine as a stimulant to relieve flatulence (excess of air or gas in the bowel). It is also used in making perfumes and soaps.
Common fennel is grown in Europe for its edible leaves and seeds. Florence, or sweet fennel, has bulbous leafstalks that taste like celery and are eaten raw or cooked. Giant fennel, which grows to a height of 12 feet (3.7 m), is planted in gardens. Dog fennel is another name for the mayweed, a plant related to the daisy.
Fennels belong to the parsley family, Umbelliferae. Common fennel is Foeniculum vulgare; Florence fennel, F. vulgare var. azoricum. Oil of fennel is obtained from F. vulgare var. dulce. Giant fennel is Ferula communis.