Fennel: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:19, 31 May 2025

Introduction

Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been widely naturalized in many parts of the world. Fennel is valued for its aromatic leaves, seeds, and fruits, which are used in cooking, medicine, and as a source of essential oils^[1]^[2]^[3]. The plant has a long history of cultivation, dating back to Roman times, and is recognized for its culinary, medicinal, and nutritional properties^[4]^[5].

Characteristics

Physical Characteristics: Fennel grows up to 2 meters tall with a stout branched taproot. It has hollow, jointed stems with fine longitudinal furrows and feathery, pinnately decompound leaves. The flowers are yellow, arranged in large compound umbels, and are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies^[6]^[7]^[8].
Growing Conditions: Fennel prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a variety of conditions, including sandy dry soils and areas with moderate to high precipitation. It requires full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH^[9]^[10].
Lifecycle: Fennel is a perennial that reproduces both from its crown and seeds. Seeds germinate readily, but plants typically do not flower until their second year. The plant dies back in winter but regrows from the crown in late winter^[11]^[12].

Why is this crop useful for space?

Fennel could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: Fennel is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to space diets. - Medicinal Properties: Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties could be valuable in space environments where medical resources are limited^[13]. - Air Purification: Like many plants, fennel could contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and producing oxygen. - Psychological Benefits: The aromatic and flavorful nature of fennel might enhance the psychological well-being of astronauts by providing a familiar and pleasant culinary experience.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of fennel in space. However, ongoing research into hydroponic and aeroponic systems for growing crops in controlled environments could potentially be applied to fennel in future space missions. The focus on sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions might include herbs like fennel due to their nutritional and medicinal benefits.

References

[1] ttps://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383

[2] ttps://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel

[4] ttps://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383

[5] ttps://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960

[6] ttps://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383

[7] ttps://ceb.bio.uci.edu/data/invasive-species-handbook/foeniculum-vulgare

[8] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel

[9] ttps://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383

[10] ttps://ceb.bio.uci.edu/data/invasive-species-handbook/foeniculum-vulgare

[11] ttps://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383

[12] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fennel-foeniculum-vulgare

[13] ttps://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{PlantProfile
-| scientific_name = Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
+| scientific_name = Foeniculum vulgare
 | family = Apiaceae
-| varieties = <li>Finocchio (ID: 159)</li>
+| varieties = <li>Grossfruchtiger (ID: 172)</li>
 }}
 <span id="introduction"></span>
 == Introduction ==
-'''Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum''', commonly known as '''Florence fennel''' or '''finocchio''', is a cultivar of the species ''Foeniculum vulgare'', which belongs to the family Apiaceae. This plant is a perennial herb, originally from the Mediterranean region, and has been widely cultivated for its edible, flavorful leaves and bulb-like stem base<ref>https://gbif.org/species/144101470</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>. Florence fennel is particularly valued for its mild anise-like flavor, which is sweeter and more aromatic than the wild type<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>.
+'''Foeniculum vulgare''', commonly known as fennel, is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been widely naturalized in many parts of the world. Fennel is valued for its aromatic leaves, seeds, and fruits, which are used in cooking, medicine, and as a source of essential oils<ref>https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383</ref><ref>https://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>. The plant has a long history of cultivation, dating back to Roman times, and is recognized for its culinary, medicinal, and nutritional properties<ref>https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383</ref><ref>https://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960</ref>.
 <span id="characteristics"></span>
 == Characteristics ==
-* '''Physical Characteristics''': Florence fennel has a swollen, bulb-like stem base, which is used as a vegetable. The plant is smaller than the wild type and has feathery leaves similar to those of dill but thinner<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>. It produces yellow flowers in terminal compound umbels<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>.
+* '''Physical Characteristics''': Fennel grows up to 2 meters tall with a stout branched taproot. It has hollow, jointed stems with fine longitudinal furrows and feathery, pinnately decompound leaves. The flowers are yellow, arranged in large compound umbels, and are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies<ref>https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383</ref><ref>https://ceb.bio.uci.edu/data/invasive-species-handbook/foeniculum-vulgare</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>.
-* '''Growing Conditions''': Fennel prefers full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture, especially when young<ref>https://gardenalchemyseeds.ca/pages/growing-bronze-fennel-benefits-and-instructions</ref><ref>https://plantura.garden/uk/vegetables/fennel/planting-fennel</ref>. It can tolerate dry soil as it matures and benefits from mulching in colder climates<ref>https://gardenalchemyseeds.ca/pages/growing-bronze-fennel-benefits-and-instructions</ref>.
+* '''Growing Conditions''': Fennel prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a variety of conditions, including sandy dry soils and areas with moderate to high precipitation. It requires full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH<ref>https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383</ref><ref>https://ceb.bio.uci.edu/data/invasive-species-handbook/foeniculum-vulgare</ref>.
-* '''Lifecycle''': Fennel is a hardy perennial that can grow up to 2.1 meters tall. It is often harvested for its bulb and fronds, which can be used in various culinary dishes<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennel</ref>.
+* '''Lifecycle''': Fennel is a perennial that reproduces both from its crown and seeds. Seeds germinate readily, but plants typically do not flower until their second year. The plant dies back in winter but regrows from the crown in late winter<ref>https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/speciesSummary.do;jsessionid=6AA266594B98575842C34864312D6398?id=18383</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fennel-foeniculum-vulgare</ref>.
 <span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>
 == Why is this crop useful for space? ==
-Fennel could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Nutritional Value''': Fennel is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients for astronauts on long-duration missions<ref>https://gardenalchemyseeds.ca/pages/growing-bronze-fennel-benefits-and-instructions</ref>. - '''Air Purification''': Like many plants, fennel can contribute to air purification by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, improving the air quality in closed environments<ref>https://ecofriendlyhomestead.com/sustainable-garden/learn/growing-fennel-in-a-regenerative-garden-everything-to-know-for-fat-bulbs-and-fancy-pollen</ref>. - '''Psychological Benefits''': The presence of plants can have positive psychological effects on individuals in isolated environments, such as space stations<ref>https://ecofriendlyhomestead.com/sustainable-garden/learn/growing-fennel-in-a-regenerative-garden-everything-to-know-for-fat-bulbs-and-fancy-pollen</ref>. - '''Low Maintenance''': Once established, fennel requires minimal care, making it suitable for controlled environments where resources might be limited<ref>https://gardenalchemyseeds.ca/pages/growing-bronze-fennel-benefits-and-instructions</ref>.
+Fennel could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Nutritional Value''': Fennel is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to space diets. - '''Medicinal Properties''': Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties could be valuable in space environments where medical resources are limited<ref>https://igi-global.com/chapter/foeniculum-vulgare-fennel/344960</ref>. - '''Air Purification''': Like many plants, fennel could contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and producing oxygen. - '''Psychological Benefits''': The aromatic and flavorful nature of fennel might enhance the psychological well-being of astronauts by providing a familiar and pleasant culinary experience.
-<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space"></span>
+<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space-if-there-is-any"></span>
-== History of Cultivation in Space ==
+== History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any) ==
-There is no specific information available on the cultivation of ''Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum'' in space. However, various plants have been grown in space as part of experiments to understand plant growth in microgravity and to develop sustainable food systems for future space missions. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown several plant species on the International Space Station, demonstrating the feasibility of plant cultivation in space. While fennel has not been specifically mentioned in these experiments, its hardiness and nutritional value make it a potential candidate for future space agriculture initiatives.
+Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of fennel in space. However, ongoing research into hydroponic and aeroponic systems for growing crops in controlled environments could potentially be applied to fennel in future space missions. The focus on sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions might include herbs like fennel due to their nutritional and medicinal benefits.
 == References ==
 <references />