80 MEDICINAL HERBS AND POISONOUS PLANTS 



seeds. In addition, the fruit contains a volatile oil and 

 other constituents, so that the plant is in request as an 

 aromatic stimulant. It can be most easily identified by 

 the fruit, which has five wing-hke ridges and a pleasantly 

 aromatic odour and taste. It is not a British plant, and 



must not be confused witli 



the AViLD Angelica (A. 



sylvestrls), which is a 



white-flowered Umbellif er 

 with leaves of tlic sliape 





sh 



own m 



fig- 



56. 



The 



writer has heard it stated 

 that the Garden Ano-elica 



was first brouolit to this 

 comitry, and used as a 

 seasonincv and in confec- 

 tionery, by IMary Quecu 



of Scots, who is said to 

 have brought it from 

 France. 



The Fennel Group. 



CoMJioN Fennel (Fcb- 



niculuni vulgare), — This 

 herb is easily recognised 

 Fig, sQ.-wM AugeUca (A, By ivestm) ^Y its leaves, which con- 



a, Flou-er, &, Set.tion of fruit, c, Fruit. ^^^^ ^^ ^ number of dceply- 



( 



divided, hair -like 



seg- 



ments (fig. 57), and large terminal umbels of yelloiv 

 flowers. The whole plant is aromatic, and its chopped 

 leaves are often used as an ingredient in sauce for fish. 

 It gi-ows in waste places, especially near the sea. For 

 the propagation of Common P^nnel, seeds are sown in 

 drills in the autumn. 



The Fennel of the druggists consists of the dried ripe 

 fruit of FiieniciUum capillaceitm. It is a native of 



