Fennel, cultivated for its aromatic fruits and medicinal remedies, is a hardy perennial herb that grows wild in may parts of the world. Its tall stalks have feathery leaves and yellow flowers.p>
Common garden fennel is a stouter plant with larger stems and leaf stalks that curve around the stem. The flower stalks are double the size of wild fennel. Fennel can grow almost anywhere, is easily propagated by seeds, can withstand draught, and adapts to most soils and light conditions.
Fruits, which contain oils, vary in length, breadth and taste in the various varieties. Fennel leaves are served with salmon to curb the oily indigestibility, and added to salads.
Fennel was once used by poor people to curb appetites and flavor tasteless foods. Fennel water and tea was used to relieve gassy stomachs, fennel syrup to calm coughs, hiccups and nausea. Fennel has even been known to ward off fleas.