HELLENOCARUM MULTIFLORUM

Family and Genus:- See- UMBELLIFERAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- Carum multiflorum, Athamanta multiflora,

Meaning:- Hellenocarum (L) Greek caraway.

Multiflorum (L) Many-flowered.

General description:- Monocarpic perennial with a stout, vertical rootstock,

crowned by leaf remains.

Stems:-

1) 20-60 cm, robust, with numerous branches from base and almost throughout.

Leaves:-

1) Broadly triangular in outline, 2- or 3-pinnate, with ovate, lobed ultimate segments.

Flowers:-

1) Umbels, with 15-25 rays and white flowers.

2) Bracts and bracteoles, oblong or lanceolate

Fruit:-

1) 2-3 mm, oblong-ellipsoid; ridges very narrowly winged.

Key features:-

1) Stem, much branched.

2) Rays, 12-20.

Click here for a glossary of terms used

Habitat:- Crevices of limestone cliffs, rock ledges, from near the sea to 1700 m. Fl.

May-July, depending on altitude.

Distribution:- Most of Greece, but lacking in the NE. - SE Italy and W Anatolia.

Somewhat scattered distribution across Crete, not too common.

Flowering time:- May-July, depending on altitude.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton