Chinese-celery (Oenanthe javanica, Prodr. 4: 138 (1830))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (Blume) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 4: 138 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oenanthe

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Siberia to Trop. & Subtrop. Asia

Description

Chinese-celery, scientifically known as Oenanthe javanica, is a versatile and resilient plant hailing from the Apiaceae family. It has been meticulously documented in the botanical literature since 1830 through the authoritative work of naturalist Blume and further detailed by DC. This herbaceous perennial is widely distributed, thriving in regions stretching from Southeastern Siberia to the tropical and subtropical zones of Asia.

Characterized by its slender, hollow stems and feathery, aromatic foliage, Chinese-celery is not just a horticultural delight but also a staple in culinary traditions across its native regions. Its delicate, parsley-like leaves emit a mild, pleasant aroma, and the plant exudes a fresh, slightly peppery flavor, making it a favored ingredient in soups, salads, and stir-fries.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Oenanthe javanica is celebrated for its adaptability to various environments. It flourishes in both aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, often found on the edges of rivers and streams where it contributes to the natural filtration of water. This characteristic also makes it an excellent plant for water gardens and pond edges, where its decorative value is matched by its ecological benefits.

Historically, Chinese-celery has been utilized in traditional medicine due to its purported health benefits. Various cultures have attributed it with properties that help in detoxification and the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

In conclusion, Oenanthe javanica, or Chinese-celery, is a plant of notable versatility and importance. Its broad geographic range, culinary significance, ecological role, and medicinal applications underline its integral presence in both natural ecosystems and human cultural practices across its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: chinese-celery, indian-pennywort, java water-dropwort, java waterdropwort, water-celery, water-dropwort, water dropwort
Deu: java-wasserfenchel
Swe: selleristäkra
Tha: chi-o, phak an, phak an-o, phak chi lom
En: Chinese-celery, Indian-pennywort, Water-celery, Water-dropwort, Java water-dropwort, Stolon waterdropwort, Java waterdropwort, Water Dropwort
Zh: Shui qin
De: Java-Wasserfenchel
Ja: Seri
Ko: Minari
Sv: Selleristäkra
Th: Chi-o, Phak an, Phak an-o, Phak chi lom

Synonyms

• Falcaria javanica ((Blume) DC.)
• Sium javanicum (Blume)
• Dasyloma javanicum ((Blume) Miq.)
• Cyssopetalum javanicum ((Blume) Turcz.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

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

Leaf

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Mikael Boström (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Candy Mallory (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2020 by Rao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Lorenzo Greco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Schmidt Florian (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Jonathan Hobbs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Hiroshi Ikeda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − たね (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Mikael Boström (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Eric Chan W.C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kenpei (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371886)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:845307-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC.)

Specifications

Growth