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Anethum graveolens L. map ill.
Linnaeus, Sp. pl.: 263 (1753). – Type: Linnaean Herbarium 371.1 (LINN) lectotype, sel. by Jansen, Spices, Cond. Med. Pl. Ethiopia: 34 (1981).
D Dild. F tilli. N dill. S dill.
Therophyte (summer-annual). Glaucous herb, to 85 cm, with a distinct aromatic scent. Stem terete, hollow, green. Leaves 3–5 times pinnatifid, with capillary, 0.3–0.8(–1) mm thick, often elongated lobes; sheaths usually well developed, with a membranous border.
Umbels slightly convex; rays straight or slightly inwards-curved; bracts absent. Umbellules 10–24(–33); bractlets absent. Flowers 12–38 per umbellule; petals yellow, 0.6–0.8 mm, tapering from the middle towards the apex; anthers 0.3–0.5 mm. Fruit ovate to broadly oblong in outline, dorsiventrally flattened; mericarps 6–7 × 2–2.3 mm, with 3 dorsal, low ridges and 2 lateral, 0.3–0.5 mm wide wings; stylopodia distinct, rather flattened, 0.5–0.6 mm wide; styles 0.3–0.5 mm, deflexed.
[2n=22]
Distribution and habitat. A casual escape, also brought in e.g. with transports and as a seed contaminant; probably very underrecorded; first record S Sk 1838 (escaped in Helsingborg and other towns). – D scattered in most of the country. N collected several times, mainly in the southeastern parts. S fairly common on the mainland north to Vg and Upl but partly under-recorded; further north rare but recorded as far north as in TL Jukkasjärvi (Kiruna; Simmons 1910); uncommon in Öl and Gtl. F collected or reported several dozens of times, especially from the dumps of the southern part.
Not known in the wild, but probably originated in SW Asia; cultivated worldwide as a spice and a vegetable.
Similar taxa. See Carum carvi, Foeniculum vulgare and Ridolfia segetum.
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