Cryptotaenia is a genus of two species of herbaceous perennial plants, native to North America and eastern Asia, growing wild in moist, shady places.

Species

• Cryptotaenia canadensis
• Cryptotaenia japonica (syn. C. canadensis subsp. japonica)

Some other species previously included in this genus (as C. africana, C. calycina and C. elegans) have been shown by molecular evidence not to belong in Cryptotaenia (Hardway et al., 2004).

Uses

C. japonica is raised as a seasoning (similar to angelica) and a strengthening tonic, and the sprouts are used in salads. . English names for the plant include mitsuba, Japanese wild parsley, honeywort, san ip, and san ye qin (from ).

External links

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• Hardway, T. M. et al. (2004). Circumscription of Apiaceae tribe Oenantheae. South African Journal of Botany 70: 393-406. Available online (pdf file)
• Technical description of Cryptotaenia japonica
• Plants for a Future database on Cryptotaenia japonica

Apiaceae