Anyswortel
Annesorhiza nuda

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It takes 2 years to complete its life cycle. It has spindle shaped fleshy roots. It grows 50 cm tall. The stems are slender with lines along them and are yellow-green. The leaves have deep lobes and each lobe is deeply divided. They are spreading and sword shaped. They are light green with a purple tinge. The flowers have 3-8 rays in a flat topped group 3-4 cm long. The flowers are small and white with a dark stripe along them. The fruit are oblong and pale yellow.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The root is eaten. It can be roasted in ashes, boiled in milk or added to stews. The leaves are chewed for the liquorice taste.

It is improved by cultivation being less acrid. The roots are sold as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Root, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Annesorhiza capensis Cham. et Schlecht.; Annesorhiza montana Eckl. & Zeyh.; Chaerophyllum capense Thunb.; Myrrhis capensis Spreng.; Oenanthe montana D. Dietr.; Selinum annesorrhizum F. v. Muell.;