Maori aniseed
Gingidia montana

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is 30 cm tall. The leaflets are oval shaped and green with teeth along the edge. There are many leaflets along the leaf stalk and they grow opposite each other. The flowering stalks grow taller than the plant. The flowers are white and in a head where each flower is from one point on equal length stalks.

Where it is found

It grows in damp tussocky ground. It can grow in cliff faces.

Countries/locations it is found in

New Zealand (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

It is used for teas. It has an aniseed flavour. The seeds can be used to flavour cakes and soups.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Koheriki, Kohepiro, Naupiro

Synonyms

Angelica forsteriana H. St. John; Angelica gingidium (G. Forst.) Hook.f.; Angelica montana (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Cockayne [Illegitimate]; Anistome gingidium (G. Forst.) Hook.f.; Gingidium montanum J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.; Ligusticum gingidium G. Forst.;