Ridolfia

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, called false fennel, corn parsley, or false 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. The glabrous leaves are finely divided several times with filiform 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 an essential oil and the plant has a strong odor. The essential oil contains the chemicals α-phellandrene, α-terpinolene, β-phellandrene, and dillapiol.

The leaves can be eaten in its raw form or cooked, and are used as an herb in the pickle industry.