Cuminum

Description

Cuminum is a genus of four flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. The most significant is Cuminum cyminum, source for the cumin seeds that are a popular spice. They are annual herbs. Stems erect, without fibrous remains at the base. Leaves of 2 ternatisects to 2 pinnatisects, alternate; basal leaves petiolate, the caulinares almost seated. Composite umbels Bracts 2-7, undivided or tripartite. Bract them 2-4. Chalice with generally uneven teeth. Petals emargined, the outer ones of the larger marginal flowers, white or pink. Conical stylode; very short, erect styles. Ovoid fruits, laterally compressed, glabrous; mericarps of semi-elliptical section, with net primary ribs, without secondary ribs; solitary vitas and 2 in the commissural side. Seeds with concave or ± flat endosperm on the commissural side.