Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Licorice

Also known as: Cultivated licorice, Liquorice Root, Spanish Juice, Sweet Wood, Sweetwood, Common licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is best known for its aromatic roots, which produce the sweet flavoring we know as licorice (though anise is also used to help flavor the candy). The root also gets used to flavor tobacco. The chemical responsible for that famous flavor is glycyrrhizin, a compound about 50 times sweeter than sucrose.

Scientific classification

Species

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb, Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1.2 m

Plant Height

90 cm

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

8 mm to 1.2 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Red, Copper, Burgundy

Fruit Color

White, Purple, Violet

Flower Color

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Licorice

Distribution of Licorice

Distribution Map

Licorice is indigenous to regions including South and Central Asia, parts of Europe, and areas in the Mediterranean. It has since been introduced to selected regions in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Licorice is also cultivated, indicating wider propagation beyond its native range to meet various demands.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry open places, sandy places near the sea

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Licorice

Compound leaves with oblong leaflets in pairs, 2 3/4 to 6 inches (7 to 15 cm) long.

Modest-sized leguminous pods, 1/2 inch (12-13 mm) long with 3-5 round seeds.

Hairy stems reaching 3 feet (91 cm) with woody base and herbaceous texture upwards.

Upright growth habit up to 4 feet (120 cm) with small purple to whitish-blue flowers.

Distinctive extensive root system with thick, fibrous roots, crucial for identification.

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Care Guide for Licorice

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Licorice, originating from legume-rich areas, thrives in semi-arid habitats. Drought-tolerant, it prefers minimal watering, ideally weekly. As an herbaceous perennial, licorice's growth aligns with water availability, flourishing following rainfall after dormancy.

Fertilize: For 'licorice,' use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote root development and flowering. Water 'licorice' before and after fertilizing to enhance absorption. Reduce fertilizer in fall and winter, and avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Licorice can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) and features feathery leaves with purple flowers. Prune in early to late spring to remove old stems, promoting air circulation and new growth. Annual pruning enhances health and root yield; use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease.

Propagation: Licorice is a perennial herb known for its desirable flavor, propagated through division of its spreading root system. When transplanting, ensure each section has multiple growth buds to promote health and vigorous growth in well-prepared, well-drained, fertile soil.

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