Fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum), a genus of umbelliferous plants, with compound umbels without involucres, yellow petals, and aromatic fruits. The common fennel (F. vulgare), a native of South Europe, now established on our coasts, reaches 4 feet in height, has its leaves cut into numerous linear segments, and from fifteen to twenty rays to its umbels. Roman Fennel, cultivated near Nismes, has from twenty-five to thirty rays, and produces curved fruits 2/5 inch in length. Indian Fennel (F. Panmorium) produces shorter and straighter fruits. Oil of fennel and fennel water, used as stimulants and carminatives, especially for veterinary purposes, are distilled from them. They contain the stearoptene anethol or anise-camphor (C₁₀H₁₂O). Fennel Leaves are used as a garnish to boiled fish.