Sea Celery, Prostrate marshwort

Apium prostratum

Physical Characteristics

Apium prostratum 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

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - a salty taste, it is used as a flavouring in soups etc or as a garnish in a similar way to parsley[193]. The leaves can also be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[193]. The stems can be blanched and used like celery[154], but they are small and fibrous so are not very worthwhile[193]. Root. 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].