Black zira (Bunium bulbocastanum, Sp. Pl.: 243 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 243 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bunium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & S. Europe

Description

Black zira, known scientifically as Bunium bulbocastanum, is a remarkable herb native to Western and Southern Europe. A member of the Apiaceae family, black zira is notable for its intriguing and complex characteristics which have attracted botanical interest since its inclusion in the scientific literature in 1753 by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.

This perennial plant thrives in temperate climates, often found in meadows and grasslands. It features delicately divided leaves that bear a strong resemblance to those of other members in the Apiaceae family, such as carrots and parsley. The plant’s flowers are small, white, and typically clustered in umbels, a common characteristic in this family, which not only supports its identification but also adds a subtle beauty to its appearance.

Black zira is particularly appreciated for its aromatic seeds, which are often referred to as black cumin. These seeds are prized in culinary traditions for their warm, nutty flavor, reminiscent of cumin but distinct in its own right. This spice is an essential ingredient in various European cuisines, adding depth and richness to dishes.

Beyond its culinary uses, Bunium bulbocastanum has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Historically, the seeds and other parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional remedies, reflecting a long-standing belief in their health benefits. Modern herbalists continue to explore its properties, although its use is less widespread compared to more common herbs.

In summary, black zira is a multifaceted plant that has been recognized and utilized for centuries. Its unique flavor, medicinal potential, and aesthetic appeal make it an interesting subject of study and a valuable addition to both gardens and kitchens. The rich history and ongoing relevance of Bunium bulbocastanum underscore its significance within the diverse world of plants.

Common Names

Fin: ahojäkkärä, ripsisaurikki, savijäkkärä, maakastanjaputki
Eng: earth-nut, black zira, earthnut, great pignut, black-caraway, great earth-nut, earth chestnut, tuberous caraway
Deu: echter knollenkümmel, erdkastanie, gewöhnlicher knollenkümmel, knollenkümmel
Swe: hårgängel, höstsolros, skogsnoppa, sumpnoppa, jordkastanj, maakastanjaputki
Dan: jordkastanie, kirtel-kortstråle, rank evighedsblomst, sump-evighedsblomst
Nor: nesleskjelfrø, skoggråurt, åkergråurt
Nld: aardkastanje
Ces: bulvuška hlíznatá
Nno: knollkarve
Nob: knollkarve
Fra: noix de terre, bunium noix-de-terre, châtaigne de terre
Ara: akutar, lefet lekhela, talgudi
Ita: bulbocastano comune
Spa: bulbocastaña, castaña de tierra, nabo castañero
Cym: cneuen ddaear gron, cneuen-y-ddaear fawr
En: Black zira, Earthnut, Great pignut, Earth-nut, Black-caraway, Great Earth-Nut, Earth chestnut, Tuberous caraway
Ar: بونيون كستنائي البصيلة, Akutar, Lefet Lekhela, Talgudi
Bn: বুনিয়াম বালবোক্যাস্টানাম
Ca: Castanyola
Cs: Bulvuška hlíznatá
Da: Jordkastanie, Kirtel-Kortstråle, Rank Evighedsblomst, Sump-Evighedsblomst
Nl: Aardkastanje
Fi: Maakastanjaputki, Ahojäkkärä, Ripsisaurikki, Savijäkkärä
Fr: Noix de terre, Bunium noix-de-terre, Châtaigne de terre, Noix-de-terre, Gland-de-terre, Marron-de-terre, Moinson, Terre-noix, Marron de terre, Châtaigne-de-terre
De: Knollenkümmel, Echter Knollenkümmel, Erdkastanie, Gewöhnlicher Knollenkümmel, Erdknolle
El: Βούνιον το βολβοκάστανον
It: Bulbocastano comune
No: Nesleskjelfrø, Skoggråurt, Åkergråurt
Nb: Knollkarve
Nn: Knollkarve
Pa: ਕਾਲਾ ਜੀਰਾ
Sd: جيرو
Es: Bulbocastaña, Castaña de tierra, Nabo castañero, Bulbo castaño
Sv: Jordkastanj, Hårgängel, Höstsolros, Skogsnoppa, Sumpnoppa, Maakastanjaputki
Cy: Cneuen-y-ddaear fawr, Cneuen Ddaear Gron

Synonyms

• Scandix bulbocastanum ((L.) Moench)
• Ligusticum bulbocastanum ((L.) Crantz)
• Carvi bulbocastanum ((L.) Bubani)
• Carum bulbocastanum ((L.) W.D.J.Koch)
• Bunium bulbocastanum var. genuinum (Burnat)
• Pimpinella bulbocastanum ((L.) Stokes)

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Laurence Durand (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Julien PIQUERAY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Christian FONSANOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken May 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034501)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:838875-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bunium bulbocastanum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6