Definition

Noun: 1. A species of aromatic plant: Angelica archangelica is a tall, biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae (carrot) family. It is characterized by its large, bright green, divided leaves, hollow stems, and clusters of greenish-white flowers. It is cultivated for its culinary and medicinal properties.

Usage

• The plant is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
• In traditional medicine, extracts from the roots of have been used for various purposes.
• The candied stems of are a traditional ingredient in cake decoration and confectionery.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Classification: The name follows the binomial nomenclature system, where is the genus and is the specific epithet. It is often referred to simply as "garden angelica" to distinguish it from other species in the genus.
• Historical Context: The specific name is derived from the belief that the plant blooms around the feast day of the Archangel Michael, or from its historical reputation as a protective herb against evil spirits and disease.

Variants and Related Words

• Angelica (noun): This is the common name for the plant , as well as the name of the larger genus containing many other species. When used alone, it most often refers to the cultivated species.
• Garden Angelica (noun): A common name for , emphasizing its cultivation in gardens.
• Archangelica (noun): Sometimes used as a shorthand or in older texts to refer to this specific species.

Synonyms

• Garden angelica: The most common synonym in general usage.
• Holy ghost: A historical or folk name.
• Wild celery: A regional name, though this can cause confusion with other plants.

Related Phrases

• Candied angelica: Refers specifically to the prepared, sweetened stems of the plant, used in baking.
• Angelica root: Refers to the dried root of the plant, often used in herbal teas and tinctures.

Noun

1. a biennial cultivated herb; its stems are candied and eaten and its roots are used medicinally