Seseli libanotis

Seseli libanotis sl3

Seseli libanotis, commonly known as moon carrot, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. This perennial herb is native to various parts of Europe and Asia, where it thrives in calcareous soils, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. The plant is notable for its distinctive umbels of white or pale pink flowers, which bloom from July to September, and its finely divided, fern-like foliage.

Description

Seseli libanotis grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm. It features a stout, erect stem that is branched in the upper part. The leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate, giving them a feathery appearance. The basal leaves are long-stalked, while the upper leaves are almost sessile. The flowers of Seseli libanotis are arranged in compound umbels, with each umbel containing 10 to 20 rays. The flowers themselves are small, with five petals each, and are typically white, although variations in pink can occur. The fruit is a schizocarp, splitting into two mericarps when mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Seseli libanotis is found across a wide range of habitats in Europe and Asia, from the British Isles eastwards to Mongolia and the Himalayas. It prefers sunny locations on well-drained, calcareous soils. Its typical habitats include limestone grasslands, chalk downlands, and rocky slopes. The species is often found at elevations up to 2000 meters.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Seseli libanotis varies regionally. In some areas, it is considered rare and is protected under local conservation laws. The primary threats to its survival include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and urbanization. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and the management of existing populations to ensure their long-term survival.

Uses

Historically, Seseli libanotis has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses. Today, it is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities in gardens and natural landscaping projects, where it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

See Also

• Apiaceae
• Perennial plant
• Habitat
• Conservation status