CORIANDER, the fruit, improperly called seed, of an um belliferous plant (Coriandrum sativum), a native of the south of Europe and Asia Minor, but cultivated in the south of England and on the continent, where it is also found as an escape from cul tivation. The plant produces a slender, erect, hollow stem rising I to eft. in height, with bipinnate leaves and small flowers in pink or whitish umbels. The fruit is globular and externally smooth, having five indistinct ridges, and the mericarps, or half-fruits, do not readily separate from each other. It is one of the few umbel liferous plants producing seeds with concave face. It is used in medicine as an aromatic and carminative, the active principle of its volatile oil (Coriandrol) being isomeric with Borneo camphor. It is a favourite ingredient in hot curries and sauces. The fruit is also used in confectionery. and as a flavouring ingredient in liqueurs. As a medicine, it possesses carminative properties. The young leaves and shoots are used in soups and salads.