Bunium persicum - (Boiss.)B.Fedtsch.
(Boiss.)B.Fedtsch.
Black Caraway, Black Cumin
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Description
Bunium persicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Condiment. Root - raw or cooked. Tastes like sweet chestnuts. Seed - used as a flavouring, a cumin substitute.
Distribution
South-eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia and Western Asia.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan TROPICAL ASIA: India (Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is likely to prefer a well-drained light to medium soil in sun or light shade.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn.
