Coriander

Annual herb Coriander Illustration of coriander parts Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Apiales Family: Apiaceae Genus: Coriandrum Species: C. sativum Binomial name Coriandrum sativumL. Coriander (/ˌkɒriˈændər, ˈkɒriændər/), or Coriandrum sativum, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. The leaves are known as cilantro (/sɪˈlæntroʊ, -ˈlɑːn-/) in the US. Most people perceive the leaves as having a fresh, slightly citrus taste. Due to variations in the gene OR6A2, some people perceive its flavor to be more soaplike or rotten. The species is native to the Mediterranean Basin. All parts of the plant are edible, with the fresh leaves and dried seeds most traditionally used in cooking. It is included in Peruvian, Mexican, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Description Coriandrum sativum flowers It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from