Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Stout, aromatic, erect perennial. Stems ± solid, striate, polished, up to c. 2 m high. Basal lvs 3–5-pinnate, petiolate; ultimate segments filiform, acuminate, 3–50 mm long, not all in one plane; stem lvs similar to basal; petiole extended along whole length into a thin closely-ribbed sheath. Umbels 2–5 cm diam.; rays 4–25, usually slightly incurved at fruiting. Fls numerous, yellow, 1–2 mm diam. Fr. dark brown, 3–6 mm long, tasting of liquorice; ribs pale brown.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–May.