Crithmum maritimum L.

Family: UMBELLIFERAE (APIACEAE)

Genus: Crithmum

Catalan common name: Fonoll marí.

Spanish common name: Hinojo marino.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera. Dragonera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Some regions

Uses and properties: Aromatic. Edible or foodstuffs.

Plants protected by law: Balearic Catalogue.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Chameophyte.

Habitats: Beaches and dunes, sandy soils. Rocky coastlines. Coastal zones.

Characteristics: A plant that lives in the littoral zones, very close to the sea. A woody species with divided leaves en lanceolated segments, are succulent and a clear green in colour. The entire plant has a very characteristic aroma. The flowers are greenish yellow in colour and form umbels with large peduncles.

Observations: The popular name makes reference to the aroma of the plant, which is vaguely that of fornoll. In Mallorca, the plant is collected and preserved in vinegar for consumption.