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Coriandrum sativum L.
| Family Name: | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) |
| Common Name: | Coriander, Cilantro, Chinese parsley, 香菜, 芫荽 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 45 cm to 60 cm |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 30 cm to 45 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mediterranean region |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Highland / Montane |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Annual herb up to 0.6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The young, upper leaves have a lacy, fine texture and are smaller than the lower leaves. The upper leaves are ovate with lobes deeply incised almost to the midrib. Leaf margin is lined with minute teeth of irregular size. Leaf size is up to 14 cm long and 8 cm wide. |
| Flowers | About 3-9, asymmetrical flowers are arranged in flat-topped clusters known as umbellules. Narrowly obovate, white, pink or light purple petals are longer on the outside of the umbellule than towards the inside (5-6 mm long compared to 1-3 mm long). |
| Fruit | Dry fruits are small and round (3 mm wide). They are known as schizocarps and they split into smaller segments. |
| Cultivation | This plant does not grow well in humid, wet climates. When exposed to hot weather, it is likely to quickly flower and then die. In Singapore, it is better to grow this herb in well-drained soil where it receives morning sun but is protected from intense afternoon sun. Seeds may take 8 to 14 days to germinate. Depending on varieties, the plant may take 45 to 75 days to reach suitable harvest size. Once the plants reach 20 cm tall or the desired size, they are ready for harvesting. Harvest 5 to 7 cm of the young shoots to allow the plant to grow new leaves for continual harvesting. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits, Edible Leaves, Edible Stems, Edible Seeds, Edible Roots Food (Fruit or Vegetable) (Herb or Spice): In North America, the leaves and stems are known as cilantro, while the seeds are called coriander. In other parts of the world, both the shoots and seeds are known as coriander. The shoots are rich in vitamins, while the seeds are a good source of minerals. In South Asian cuisine, the leaves are often used either raw or added to the dish immediately before serving. Coriander roots have a stronger flavour than the leaves and are commonly used in Thai dishes. Coriander seeds are an ingredient in garam masala and Indian curries. Medicinal: In folk medicine, the seeds are applied as a poultice to treat rheumatism and joint pain. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference or Tolerance Remarks | Not respond well to high humidity. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrulate, Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Asymmetrical |
| Flowering Habit | Monocarpic, Short-lived(Annual & Biennial) |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Lavender |
| Inflorescence Type Remarks | Umbellule |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|
References
| References |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31545 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5944 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |