Apiaceae - Botanical Family

Levisticum officinale is a tall (3 to 9 ft) perennial plant, the leaves and seeds or fruit of which are used to flavor food. The root is used as a diuretic.

Levisticum officinale has attractive foliage and can be used as a back-of-the-border plant.

The flavor is reminiscent of carrots or parsley. A major vegetable in many parts of the Orient, the leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Oenanthe javanica Flamingo - a variegated form with leaves splashed and zoned pale pink, cream and white, it has been especially recommended as a good ground cover plant for wet situations.

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of very poisonous plants and so some caution is advised.

Anise is known for its flavor, which resembles liquorice, fennel and tarragon. Western cuisines have long used anise as a moderately popular herb to flavor some dishes, drinks, and candies, and so the word has come to connote both the species of herb and the licorice-like flavor. The most powerful flavor component of the essential oil of anise is anethole. Anise has a reputation as a medicine in coughs and pectoral affections. In hard, dry coughs where expectoration is difficult, it is of much value.

Anise is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 3 ft. Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well drained soil. The seeds should be planted as soon as the ground warms up in spring. Because the plants have a taproot, they do not transplant well after being established, so they should be started either in their final location or transplanted while the seedlings are still small.

Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) is a native of South Africa and is related to the Carrot family. It's an intriguing plant with the crushed leaves having a distinctive carrot-like scent. The leaflets are pinnately compound with each one having a heavily toothed shape. The small, green to greenish-white flowers grow in umbels when the trees are without leaves.

For bonsai, this species forms a swelled trunk base with a mature height of 10-20 feet. It is moderately tolerant of water, although it handles dry conditions extremely well and prefers full sun exposure. The bark is yellowish gray-green and often peels off in papery strips. Steganotaenia araliacea is an excellent plant for hot and dry gardens and demonstrates great durability on steep, northern facing slopes.

When grown in a pot, the Carrot Tree ensures ornamental foliage and drought resistance. In colder regions, this species can sustain mature cold hardiness up to 30s F for a short time. Taking proper care of the Carrot Tree is key for bonsai success. Ensure adequate and full sun exposure, moderate water and dry conditions. In winter, avoid overwatering and water only when soil appears dry. Fertilize lightly in summer and ensure the root ball has sustained enough water. Consider using greenhouse protection when temperatures drop to dangerous levels and ensure the Carrot Tree is appropriately pruned for adequate air circulation.