Apium filiforme

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Apium filiforme is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

By the coast and occasionally inland in lowland areas, Kermaduc, North, South and Stewart Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves and stems - raw or cooked. They are used as a flavouring in soups etc. A parsley flavour, they are quite pleasant raw. The seed is used as a flavouring.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Plants probably prefer a rich moist soil with some shade in the summer. This species is sometimes known as A. prostratum filiforme, but most botanists now separate it from A. prostratum and recognize it as a distinct species, A. filiforme.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination can take a month or longer. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. prostratum filiforme. Petroselinum filiforme.