Cumin
ExplorePlants
Cumin
Cuminum L.
Cumin is a spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor to many dishes. It comes from the seeds of a plant and is used in cooking all around the world.
Appearance
The Cumin is a slender, branching annual plant with delicate, thread-like green leaves. It has tiny, white or light pink flowers grouped in flat-topped clusters. Its fine, feathery foliage gives it a distinct appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusCuminum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians used cumin during the mummification process.
Cumin seeds were used as currency in ancient times!
It's related to carrots, parsley, and dill, all in the same plant family!
One of the oldest spices, found in sites over 4,000 years old!
Special abilities
Ability
Aromatic Defense
Cumin can produce strong, distinctively aromatic compounds that deter many herbivores from eating its leaves.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Cumin has elongated, ribbed seeds that catch wind or attach to animals, helping them travel far.
Ability
Drought Survivor
Cumin can efficiently use limited water resources, enabling it to thrive in hot, dry environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-50 cm
- Spread
- 10-20 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
helps transfer pollen for reproduction
pollinates
Hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii
visits flowers, assisting in pollination
eats
Cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii
sucks sap from stems and leaves
symbiotic with
Soil bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
aids nutrient absorption in the roots
Traits
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Ancient
Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Natural
Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.
Also known as
Cumin SeedCuminum
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Cumin is safe to use in cooking, but make sure to ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cumin?
15-50 cm
How wide does Cumin spread?
10-20 cm
How big are the flowers on Cumin?
0.2-0.3 cm
When does Cumin bloom?
Summer
Is Cumin edible?
Yes
Is Cumin toxic?
None
What is Cumin's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Cumin pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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