Sweet Cicely
Given Name: Myrrhis odorata
Nicknames: myrrh, garden myrrh, sweet chevril
Hi there! I'm so very pleased to meet you! I'm looking for a new place to grow and I was thinking that I could be your new neighbour.
I bet you'd love having me in your neighbourhood.
Like any good neighbour, I can help you when you need it. Although you can't borrow a cup of flour from me or use my phone when yours doesn't work, I'm useful in other, more unique, ways.
Are you hungry? You can pick my yummy leaves or dig my roots. Want a sweet treat? My young seed pods taste like black licorice candy. Thirsty? Try a cup of tea brewed from my leaves. See how good I am?
Well, if you're still on the fence about planting me, maybe I should mention my pretty foliage. Those luscious fern-like leaves smell good too- like anise! Oh, and my smell isn't just for your enjoyment (although I really do want you to enjoy it!). My smell helps to keep away insect pests. Yes, I am a very useful neighbour- thank you for noticing. Have I told you about my blooms, yet? Well, my delicate, little, white flowers, that grow in clusters called umbels, add beauty to any garden and provide nectar for pollinating insects.
Don't confuse me with other carrot (Apiaceae) family plants, though: our flowers and leaves might have a strong family resemblance, but our “personalities” are quite different.
I'm ashamed to admit that some of my family aren't exactly people-friendly plants- in fact, a few could even poison you.
Don't worry, though, I would never do that to anybody! But, to stay safe, you should probably learn to tell me apart from my less savoury cousins. It's not too hard- just spend a bit of time and energy on our friendship- I think that I can call us friends now. Maybe even best friends? Okay okay, you're right, it's too soon for that.
But I have a good feeling about us. I can fit so easily into your life. Plant me wherever you want: I can grow in most soils (loamy, sandy or clay and acid, neutral or basic) and I'm not fussy about whether I'm in the sun or shade, either. Just give me an average amount of water and I'll self seed in your garden so that I'll be around whenever you need me.
Because best frien... I mean, good friends are always there to support each other.
Do you want to plant me? Please say yes... please say yes!
Yours Truly,
Overzealous Sweet Cicely
References:
Crawford, M. (2010). Creating a Forest Garden: Working with nature to grow edible crops. Cambridge: Green Books Ltd., pp 228.
Jacke, D., Toensmeier, E. (2005). Edible Forest Gardens: Volume Two. White River Junction: Chelsea Green Publishing Company, pp 480-1.
Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Myrrhis odorata.
Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Myrrhis odorata. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Myrrhis+odorata
Comentários