Apium australe

Physical Characteristics

Apium australe is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern S. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[69]. A salty taste, it is used as a flavouring in soups etc. Used like celery[69]. The leaves can also be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour. Root[69]. No further details. Seed - used as a flavouring in soups etc.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].