Licorice
ExplorePlants
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza Tourn. ex L.
Licorice is a sweet-tasting plant with roots that are used to make yummy candies. It has pretty purple flowers and grows in sunny fields and meadows.
Habitat: Sunny fields and meadows
Appearance
The Licorice is a tall herbaceous perennial, often reaching up to 6 feet, with distinct pinnate leaves. It displays delicate purplish-blue to whitish pea-like flowers arranged in upright spikes during summer, followed by small flat pods.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusGlycyrrhiza
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians loved licorice so much, King Tut had it buried with him!
Despite the name, true licorice root tastes different from anise or fennel candy.
Licorice has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicines and drinks.
The sweet taste in licorice comes from a compound 50 times sweeter than sugar!
Special abilities
Ability
Sweet Sensation Roots
Licorice has special compounds in its roots that make them 50 times sweeter than sugar, helping it store energy and deter some pests.
Ability
Deep-Root Diver
Licorice grows extensive deep roots which help it find water in dry soils and store energy, allowing it to survive harsh conditions.
Ability
Soil Helper
Like many legumes, Licorice hosts tiny bacteria in its roots that pull nitrogen from the air into the soil, acting like a natural fertilizer.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-200 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits licorice flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Helps transfer pollen between licorice plants.
symbiotic with
Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria
Rhizobium leguminosarum
Lives in root nodules, converting nitrogen for plant growth.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Also known as
GlycyrrhizaSweet Root
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not eat plants unless an adult says it's safe. Licorice candy is okay, but the plant can be harmful if eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Licorice?
100-200 cm
How wide does Licorice spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on Licorice?
1-2 cm
When does Licorice bloom?
Summer
Is Licorice edible?
Yes
Is Licorice toxic?
Mild
What is Licorice's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Licorice pollinated?
Insect
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