| Description |
Licorice is a herbaceous perennial legume plant grown for it's root, from which a sweet flavor can be extracted. The flavor is used to flavor tobacco, desserts, and teas. The root has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in Ayurveda to rejuvenate and in Traditional Chinese Medicine to carry herbal mixtures to the 12 "regular meridians". The plant has opposite, pinnate leaves like a bean plant, and purple to pale blue flowers. Licorice is distinct from the Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) which is a garden ornamental that can sometimes have a licorice scent. It is not related to anise, star anise, or fennel, which also have licorice flavors. The wrinkled brown roots have yellow flesh and can grow to 120cm deep and 10m wide in optimal, unobstructed growing conditions. They take 2-3 years to be ready to harvest. Plants are hardy to -15°C. Seeds have poor germination and benefit from scarification and cold-stratification.
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