Alexanders
Alexanders beside a road, Dorset
Flowerhead
Close-up of flowers, 5 petals, 5 stamens
2 styles on swollen bases
Ridged, globular fruits
Trefoil-shaped leaves
Robust stem, distinctive petiole sheaths
Smyrnium olusatrum
Apiaceae
February to June
It is found mainly close to the sea in the Southwest, the South,
the Southeast and East Anglia..
See the BSBI distribution map for Alexanders
Alexanders are archeophytes, which were brought to the UK
by the Romans for cultivation as a food crop.
They were replaced by celery in the Middle Ages (15th century).
They grow alongside roads and paths, on cliffs and wasteland
and in churchyards.
They are on the increase, are quite invasive and may be
becomming a nuisance in some places.
Alexanders are robust, biennial or perennial herbs growing
up to 1.5m.
The yellow-green flowers stand out in late winter and early
spring.
The flowerheads are up to 10cm across and the individual
umbels up to 2cm.
Individual flowers have 5 separated yellow petals, each with
a recurved point.
There are 5 stamens, which alternate with the petals.
The stamens appear before the stigmas (protandrous).
There are 2 styles on an enlarged base.
The fruits are globular and ridged.
There are few (usually none) bracts or bracteoles
Leaves are up to 30cm, shiny, dark-green with terminal
trefoils.
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Alexanders beside a road, Dorset
Flowerhead
Close-up of flowers, 5 petals, 5 stamens
2 styles on swollen bases
Ridged, globular fruits
Trefoil-shaped leaves
Robust stem, distinctive petiole sheaths
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