Apium prostratum var. filliforme – Sea Celery (plant)

Description

Sea Celery is a member of the Apiaceae family native to Australia and its islands. Apium prostratum var. prostratum occurs along coastal areas of eastern Australia. Apium prostratum var. filiiforme grows in more tidal or freshwater habitats along the eastern coastline of mainland Australia, Tasmania and the SW coastline of WA. Its common name is Mangrove Sea Celery. Lord Howe Island has a subspecies Apium prostratum var. howense which has a similar celery taste.

Apium prostratum is a biennial or perennial herb with broad or narrow divided leaves, similar to the common celery plant. It has a prostrate or upright habit reaching 0.5 to 1 metre high. Very small white or pink flowers occur in spring and summer. Info at ANPSA.

Apium prostratum var. filliforme is used as a native flavouring in cooking and can be used anywhere parsley or celery are used. It was eaten by Captain Cook and his crew on their travels.

Care and Cultivation of Apium prostratum

Apium prostratum likes a full sun to part shade position and a well drained potting mix. Fertilise moderately over the growing season.

Our plants were initially sourced from the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Strait.

1 plant