Common wild cumin (Lagoecia cuminoides, Sp. Pl.: 203 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 203 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lagoecia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit. to W. & S. Iran

Description

Common wild cumin, scientifically known as Lagoecia cuminoides, is a notable member of the Apiaceae family. This plant was first described in 1753, with its documentation appearing in “Species Plantarum,” the seminal work by Carl Linnaeus.

Predominantly found in the Mediterranean region and extending towards Western and Southern Iran, Lagoecia cuminoides thrives in environments typical of these areas. Characterized by its distinctive appearance and aromatic qualities, it has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

A biennial herb, Common wild cumin grows to an average height of 30-60 cm. Its delicate, fine-textured foliage resembles that of other members of the carrot family. The plant blooms during the warmer months, presenting umbels of small, white flowers that are instrumental in pollination, attracting a variety of insects.

Ecologically, Lagoecia cuminoides plays a role in its native habitats by contributing to the biodiversity. It flourishes in rocky terrains and pastures, where it adds to the tapestry of Mediterranean flora. Its seeds are often dispersed by wind and animal movement, facilitating its spread across suitable landscapes.

In addition to its ecological presence, Lagoecia cuminoides is also noted for its traditional uses. Local cultures have utilized this plant for its notable aromatic qualities. The seeds of common wild cumin have been used in cooking to impart a distinctive flavor similar to that of true cumin, albeit milder and sweeter. Herbalists from the regions it inhabits have historically employed its extracts for various medicinal purposes.

Ongoing studies and observations since its first documentation continue to shed light on the unique qualities and continued relevance of Lagoecia cuminoides in both natural and cultivated environments. As interest in sustainable and native plants grows, common wild cumin remains a subject of botanical research and ecological interest.

Common Names

Eng: common wild cumin
Deu: hasenkümmel
Swe: klotkummin
En: Common Wild Cumin, Bastard Cumin, Lagoecia
Fi: Pampulaputki
De: Hasenkümmel
He: נוצנית כדורית
It: Cumino piumoso
Es: Comino silvestre
Sv: Klotkummin

Synonyms

• Cuminoides obliqua (Moench)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 16, 2020 by ivanzan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by Syr Asd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2020 by Gut Jose a (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2006 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8419745)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:843929-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lagoecia cuminoides L.)

Specifications

Growth