coriander

     

Corianer, Coriandrum sativum is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. The name 'coriander' in a culinary context may refer to either the seeds of the plant (used as a spice), or to its leaves (used as a herb); however, in North American countries, for example, the name Cilantro is given to the leaves. Coriander is native to southwestern Asia and west to north Africa. It is a soft, hairless plant growing to 50 cm [20 in.] tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, and with the petals that point away from the centre of the umbel being longer (5-6 mm) than those pointing to the middle of the umbel (only 1-3 mm long). The fruit is a globular dry schizocarp 3-5 mm diameter.

Trivia about coriander

  • Cilantro is the leaves of this plant whose name is from the Greek koris, "bug"
  • Cilantro comes from this plant whose name is derived from koris, meaning "bug"; they emit a similar odor
  • (Kelly of the clue shows a potted herb.) Talk about international flare, when it's in the garden, it's called Chinese parsley; when the leaves are used, it's Spanish cilantro; & the seeds used in cooking are called this from Middle English