Selinum

Selinum is a genus of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.

Vernacular Name:Bhut Kesh, Bhajadri

English Name

Distribution:Himalaya (Kashmir to Bhutan), NE India, China

Parts used:Rhizome

Description: Herb. Leaves large, finely divided, lower long stalked, leaflets pinnatisect, acute. Flowers in compound umbel, white or yellowish green. Fruit ovate, 7.5 mm long.

 Application: Decoction

Cultivation

The perennials prefer a sunny to half-shady situation on fresh to moist soil. The substrate should be gritty-loamy or sandy clay soil with a pH between 6,5 and 7,5. They tolerate temperatures down to -12°C (USDA zone 8).

Uses

The ornamental value of Selinum wallichianum lies especially in its fragrance. The recommended planting distance is 30 to 40 centimetres, the perennials are best planted in groups of 5 to 10. Suited as bee pasture.

Maintenance and Propagation

• Some seedheads should remain on the plant for species preservation.

Cut back in autumn.

                                   UDESH SHRESTHA