The correct spelling of the vegetable commonly known as "wild celery" is actually "cicely." The pronunciation, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /ˈsɪsəli/. The confusion may be due to the fact that the two words sound similar and wild celery is a common name for cicely. Cicely has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is often used in dishes such as salads, soups, and sauces. It can also be used as a natural sweetener.
Wild celery is a term used to refer to a variety of aquatic plants that belong to the family Apiaceae and are primarily characterized by their celery-like appearance. These plants are commonly found in fresh and brackish water bodies, such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They are distributed across various regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
The term "wild celery" can specifically describe several species, including Apium graveolens (also known as water celery or smallage), Oenanthe aquatica (also called water dropwort or fine-leaf water-dropwort), and Vallisneria americana (commonly known as eelgrass or tapegrass). While each species has distinct characteristics, they share certain similarities. These plants typically have long, slender stalks, highly divided leaves, and small white or yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months.
Wild celery has been historically valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. The stems, leaves, and roots of these plants are edible and can be consumed both raw and cooked. They possess a flavor similar to regular celery but with a slightly stronger taste. In addition to being a food source, wild celery has also been utilized in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including digestive issues, inflammation, and as a diuretic.
Furthermore, these plants play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Wild celery provides valuable habitat and food sources for a diverse range of aquatic species, such as fish, birds, and invertebrates. It also helps in regulating water clarity and quality by absorbing excess nutrients and stabilizing sediment. Due to their ecological importance, some species of wild celery are protected and managed to ensure their conservation.
The word "wild celery" can be easily understood by breaking it down into its components.
The term "wild" originated from the Old English word "wilde", which means untamed, uncultivated, or growing naturally without human intervention. It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "wildaz", meaning "wild" or "untamed". Since "wild" refers to something that is not domesticated, the use of "wild" in "wild celery" signifies that the plant grows in its natural state without being cultivated.
The word "celery" comes from the plant's scientific name, Apium graveolens. The genus name "Apium" traces back to the Latin word for celery, also "Apium". The specific epithet "graveolens" comes from the Latin words "gravis" (strong or heavy) and "olens" (smelling), describing the plant's strong smell.