Fennel

fennel, (Foeniculum vulgare), perennial herb of the carrot family (Apiaceae) grown for its edible shoots, leaves, and seeds. Native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, fennel is cultivated in temperate regions worldwide and is considered an invasive species in Australia and parts of the United States. All parts of the plant are aromatic and used in flavouring, and the bulblike stem base of Florence fennel (variety azoricum) and the blanched shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The seeds and extracted oil are suggestive of anise in aroma and taste and are used for scenting soaps and perfumes and for flavouring candies, liqueurs, medicines, and foods, particularly pastries, sweet pickles, and fish.