Perennial, up to 70 cm tall, branched, glabrous. Root fusiform, elongated. Leaves bipinnatisect; segments filiform to lanceolate or oval, lower leaves petio¬late, upper sessile; bases sheathing; sheath margin white, membranous. Involucre of 1-5 linear bracts or lacking. Rays 5-9, unequal. Involucel of minute bractlets or lacking. Flowers white or rose coloured. Calyx teeth obscure. Fruit pedicels very unequal. Fruit ovoid to oblong, yellowish brown, 3-4 mm long; ridges prominent, obtuse; furrows 1-vittate; commissure 2-vittate.

Type: Describe from N. Europe.

Distribution: Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Himalayas in India and W. Pakistan.

A common plant of fields and meadows from 2000 to 3500 m in the Himala¬yas. The fruits called ‘Caraway Seed’ are aromatic and contain volatile oil, the principal constituent being carvone. They are used as an aromatic carminative and as a flavouring in confectionery.