Smyrnium
(the old Greek name, used by Dioscorides, and derived from smyrna, one of the names of myrrh; alluding to the odour of the plants). Alexanders. ORD. Umbelliferae. A small genus (six or seven species) of erect, glabrous, hardy, biennial herbs, natives of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Flowers yellow, polygamous, in compound, many-rayed umbels. Radical and lower leaves ternato-pinnately dissected; upper ones undivided, or having fewer segments. Before the introduction of Celery, S. Olusatrum was cultivated as a salad plant, under the names of Black Pot-herb, Common Alexanders or Alisanders, and Horse Parsley; it somewhat resembles Celery in flavour, but is stronger and less agreeable. None of the species have any horticultural value.