Apium graveolens rapaceum
Celeriac
a biennial member of the Apium genus in the family Umbelliferae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Umbelliferae
- Genus
- Apium
- Life cycle
- biennial
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Flies, Self
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Flies, Self
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
If the plant is infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[15].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves - used as a flavouring in soups etc[6]. They can be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[14]. Seed - a flavouring. An essential oil from the seed is also used as a flavouring. Root - raw or cooked[10][11][14]. It can be grated and added to salads, baked or added to soups, stews etc[4].
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Root
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although not as medicinally active as wild celery, the cultivated forms of celery also have the same medicinal properties and, when used as an item of the diet, will have a similar effect upon the body. These medicinal uses are as follows:- Wild celery is an aromatic bitter tonic herb that reduces blood pressure, relieves indigestion, stimulates the uterus and is anti-inflammatory[8]. The ripe seeds, herb and root are aperient, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, stimulant and tonic[12][16][7][2]. Wild celery is said to be useful in cases of hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence[12]. The herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women[8]. Seeds purchased for cultivation purposes are often dressed with a fungicide, they should not be used for medicinal purposes[8]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[8]. The whole plant is harvested when fruiting and is usually liquidized to extract the juice[8]. The seeds are harvested as they ripen and are dried for later use[8]. An essential oil obtained from the plant has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Some of its constituents have antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant actions. It has been shown to be of value in treating high blood pressure[9]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the herb[17]. It is used in treating rheumatism and kidney complaints[17].
- Product or use
- Aperient
- Product or use
- Carminative
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Emmenagogue
- Product or use
- Galactogogue
- Product or use
- Nervine
- Product or use
- Stimulant
- Product or use
- Tonic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The growing plant is an insect repellent, it repels the cabbage white butterfly so is a good companion for brassicas[5].
Environment
- Range
- A cultivated form of garden origin.
- Habitat
- Not known in the wild.
- Shade tolerance
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - surface sow February in a greenhouse. The maincrop can be sown as late as mid-April. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. Plant out in May. The seed can harbour certain diseases of celery, it is usually treated by seed companies before being sold but if you save your own seed you should make sure that only seed from healthy plants is used[1].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a rich moist soil and an open sunny situation[1][10][11][14]. Requires abundant moisture in the growing season otherwise the root will be small and tough[1]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3. The root is hardy to about -12°c and can be left in the ground over winter, to be harvested as required[6]. Roots can also be stored in boxes of sand or other such material in a cool dry shed[6]. Celeriac is a form of A. graveolens that has been selected for its enlarged edible root. It is occasionally cultivated commercially but more often in the garden or allotment[13][6], there are some named varieties[4]. Any side-shoots should be removed in order to encourage a larger root[6]. A good companion plant for leeks, tomatoes, French beans and brassicas[3].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-88266-064-0
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148
Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8
Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber 1960-00-00
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980-00-00
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2