Cafoun
Ammodaucus leucotrichus

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A small annual herb. It has a slender taproot. It has an anise scent. The leaves are strongly divided. The fruit are covered with soft silky hairs.

There is only one Ammodaucus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the Sahara in Africa. It grows as a part of the sand-dune vegetation. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Sahara, Sahel, Tunisia, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are used in sauces and for flavouring. It is similar to caraway.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Seeds - flavour, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cuminum maroccanum P. H. Davis & Hedge;