莳萝 shi luo

Anethum graveolens subsp. sowa (Roxburgh) N. F. Koren; A. sowa Roxburgh; Ferula marathrophylla W. G. Walpers; Peucedanum anethum Baillon; P. graveolens (Linnaeus) Hiern; P. sowa (Roxburgh) Kurz.

Plants 30–75(–100) cm, glabrous, strongly aromatic. Basal leaf blade broadly ovate, 3–4-pinnately dissected; ultimate segments narrow linear, 4–20 × ca. 0.5 mm. Upper leaves smaller and less divided, petioles sheathing throughout. Umbels 5–15 cm across; rays 10–25, 3–5 cm; umbellules 15–25-flowered; pedicels 6–10 mm. Fruit brown, 3–5 × 2–2.5 mm; lateral ribs gray-white, narrowly winged. Fl. May–Aug, fr. Jul–Sep.

Cultivated and adventive; 200–1500 m. Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan [native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated and adventive worldwide].

The fruits are used in the traditional Chinese medicine “shi luo” and as a spice (dill).