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Cumin

How to identify Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

Cumin

Cumin is characterized by its slender, branched stems that stretch upward to about 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) in height. The plant bears deeply lobed leaves, resembling those found in the parsley family, which are arranged alternately on the stem. Small, white to pinkish flowers form umbrella-like clusters and bloom in the warm season. Following the flowering period, cumin produces a fruit that is elongated, ribbed, and houses the aromatic seeds favored for culinary uses. The entire plant exudes a distinctive, earthy fragrance when brushed or crushed.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Cumin

1

Slender, branched stems reach 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) in height.

2

Deeply lobed, parsley-like leaves arranged alternately on stem.

3

Small, white to pinkish umbrella-like flowers in warm season.

4

Distinct, elongated, ribbed fruit with aromatic seeds.

5

Entire plant exudes earthy fragrance when brushed or crushed.

CuminCumin

Detailed Traits of Cumin

Leaf Features

The leaves of cumin are deeply divided into long, narrow segments, resembling fennel but smaller. They exhibit a lush deep green color, sometimes blackening at the ends. The upper leaves have very short stalks, while the lower leaves are attached by longer stalks. These leaves are fine and feathery in texture, enhancing their delicate appearance. Their vein pattern is subtle, supporting the long, slender shape, perfect for photosynthesis in cumin's native habitat.

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Flower Features

The small, delicate flowers of cumin are arrayed in umbels that sit atop slender stems. Each umbel comprises 5 to 7 umbellets, creating a fluffy, canopy-like structure. The flowers possess both male and female structures and feature fine, feathery petals in a white to pale pink hue. Typically, each flower measures about 1/16 inch (1-2 mm) in diameter. Blooming generally occurs in early summer, emitting a subtle, aromatic scent that is quite distinctive.

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Stem Features

The stem of cumin is slender, measuring 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall and 1 1/4 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) in diameter. It branches into 2 or 3 subbranches and is glabrous, giving it a smooth texture. These branches grow to similar heights, forming a uniform flat canopy. The branching pattern and height create a distinctive appearance crucial for identifying cumin.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of cumin is a distinct, small, dry, and conical shaped structure, measuring less than 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length, and exhibits a texture covered with fine hairs. Mature fruits maintain their integrity by not splitting open and encase a single, harvestable seed. This seed is noteworthy for its yellow-brown to gray hue and features eight prominent ridges, each accompanied by oil canals, contributing to its characteristic appearance and use as a spice.

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Key Facts About Cumin

Attributes of Cumin
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 50 cm
Spread
3 cm to 5 cm
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
White
Brown
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Cumin

Species
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
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Distribution Map of Cumin

Cumin is native to the Mediterranean region of North Africa and has been introduced to various parts of the world, including parts of South America, Asia, and Europe. It is widely cultivated beyond its natural range in environments suitable for its growth.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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