SafePlants

Carum: An Overview

Carum is a genus encompassing approximately 20 to 30 species of flowering plants belonging to the Apiaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Carum
• Family: Apiaceae (also known as Umbelliferae or carrot family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonym: Carum velenovskyi Rohlena

Common Names

• Caraway
• Wild Caraway
• Kala Jira
• Meridian Fennel
• Persian Cumin

Distribution and Habitat

Carum species are native to temperate regions of the Old World, including Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Carum carvi (caraway) specifically is found growing wild throughout North and Central Europe, as well as Central Asia and possibly originated in western Turkey. It has also been introduced elsewhere, including North America, where it has naturalized.

Carum asinorum is strictly endemic to Morocco, specifically the Haut Atlas region.

It can be found naturalized in meadows, on sand dunes, roadsides, and railway banks, and as a casual in waste places and on rubbish tips.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Carum carvi is a biennial plant, growing to approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height and 0.3 meters (1 foot) in width.
• It flowers from June to July, with seeds ripening from July to August.
• It is not frost tender.

Uses

Caraway seeds (Carum carvi) are used as a flavoring agent. The seeds are used for culinary and medicinal purposes, and the leaves can be eaten in salads. The plant has therapeutic benefits and can be used for digestion and colic, as well as for sweetening breath.

Ecological Role

In some regions, Carum carvi has become naturalized, indicating its ability to thrive outside of its native range. It grows in meadows, on sand dunes, roadsides, and railway banks, and as a casual in waste places and on rubbish tips.

Further Resources

• Centre for ASEAN Regionalism University of Malaya: carum@um.edu.my
• Wikimedia Commons