A review of edible plants on the Turkish Apiaceae species

Abstract: Apiaceae family is the eighth biggest families in the Flora of Turkey. And it is also one of the most important family in which there are many popular plants used as food and spices in Turkey because they carry essential oils. The aim of this study is a revision on the wild edible plants of the Apiaceae family in Turkey according to our investigations and scientific literature records. Our studies are based on mainly local ethnobotanical investigations. The information about the plants was obtained through open and semi-structured interviews from the local people. According to the list based on our investigations and the literature records, 80 taxa of Apiaceae used as food and spices were determined in Turkey. Among them, Anethum graveolens, Anthriscus nemorosa, Eryngium campestre var. virens, Falcaria vulgaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Malabaila secacul, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Opopanax hispidus, Prangos ferulacea, Scandix pecten-veneris, are the most popular plants and they are used in many localities of Turkey. Key words: Apiaceae, edible plants, Turkey