1 Fennel

Source  Fruits of ( cremocarps ) Foeniculum vulgare Umbelliferae  Largely cultivated in Romania , Russia , France  In India Gujarath , Punjab , U.P , W.B , Maharastra  Known as Souf , Peddajilakarra

Cultivation  Light calcareous soil , well drained , sunny situations  Raised from seeds  Sown in Spring by dibbling method , 4 – 5 seeds in a hole ,60cm apart  Bear fruits in 2nd yr , ripen in Sept  Stems cut by sickle , dried in sun  Beaten on cloth & winnowed

Description  Entire cremocarps  Shape Oval oblong Pedicel attached , Bifid stylopod at apex Five primary ridges  Color Greenish brown – yellowish brown  Odor Agreeable , aromatic  Taste Sweet , aromatic  Surface Glabrous

Microscopy      

Pericarp Testa Endosperm Embryo Raphe Carpophore

Testa single layered , yellow in color Endosperm polygonal cells

Pericarp  Epicarp polygonal tubular cells Occasional stomata Smooth cuticle  Mesocarp parenchyma Thickened & lignified in the region of V.B Bicollateral V.B below primary ridges Vittae in between primary ridges  Endocarp parquetry arrangement

Constituents  Volatile oil 4 – 5 % (best varieties ) Fenchone , Anethol  Proteins 20%  Fixed oil 12 – 18 %

Uses  Carminative , Aromatic ,  Stimulant , Expectorant ,  Flavouring agent