FENNEL FLOWERS 
on the branches, consisting of five regular and petal-like sepals, five to 
ten petals, small and inconspicuous, beneath the numerous long stamens; 
carpels, five to ten, more or less united from the base, and surmounted by 
long simple styles. Natives of the Mediterranean region and West Africa. 
Nigella sativa was introduced from Egypt to English 
History. herb-gardens as far back as 1548; its seeds being in 
request as a spice or seasoning. In the East this species appears to 
have been cultivated for ages before its introduction to Britain; the 
spicy seeds being used to sprinkle over the tops of cakes, as we do 
comfits. Canon Tristram is of opinion this is the “ fitches ” ( Ketzach ), 
whose seeds are “ beaten out with a staff,” as stated in Isaiah xxviii. 
25, 27. But the species chiefly grown in the flower-garden are 
N. darnasccna and N. hispanica, introduced in 1570 and 1629 
respectively, and both popularly known by the somewhat incongruous 
titles of “ Love-in-a-mist” and the “ Devil-in-a-bush.” 
Nigella hispanica (Spanish). 1 to 2 feet; flowers 
Principal species. j ar g e , blue, white, lilac, or purple, with dark red stamens; 
no involucre. The large size and profusion of the blossoms contrast 
well with the fineness of the foliage, and make the plant a highly 
ornamental one; it is therefore surprising that it is not more generally 
grown. It flowers from June to August Plate 8. 
N. damascena (Damascus). 1 to 2 feet; flowers pale blue, smaller 
than hispanica. Involucre finely divided and moss-like. Seed vessel 
bladder-like, and seeds wrinkled. There is a var. alba (white), and 
another with double flowers (flore pleno). Flowers June to August. 
N. SATIVA (cultivated) is the Nigella of commerce. Height, 18 
inches; bluish flowers; no involucre; July. Seed-vessels connected 
almost throughout their length, and covered with hard raised points. 
Leaf divisions shorter and broader than in the foregoing kinds. 
The seeds 
are hot and p 
;h esteeme<Lby French cook a flavouring Mid condiment. They 
as pepper ; but this practice may be obsolete in these days oF^ust dealings 
ition penalties. The Egyptian fellahin cultivate the plant for the sake of 
eeds, which they scatter over their bread before baking it, as caraway and poppy 
re used in Europe. 
N. nigellastrum (Star-nigella). Height, 1 foot; flowers brown and 
green; carpels, two or three only, with short styles. Leaves very 
slender. Flowers solitary; July. 
N. orientalis (Eastern). Height, 1| foot; small yellow flowers 
spotted with red; July. Leaves divided into long narrow segments. 
Of the foregoing species, the first two are the most 
suitable for cultivation in the flower-garden, as they require 
Cultivation. 
