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Licorice Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Sweetness and passion.

Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Glycyrrhiza
Native to
Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Bloom season
Summer
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
3-5 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
deep, moist, fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The root is fifty times sweeter than sugar due to the compound glycyrrhizin.
  • Ancient Egyptians treasured licorice so much that supplies were found in King Tutankhamun's tomb.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly chewed so much licorice root that it stained his teeth black.
  • The plant fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules.
  • Most 'licorice' candy sold in the United States actually contains anise oil rather than real licorice.

Color meanings

0

sweetness

1

passion

2

fidelity

Uses

  • herbal medicine
  • flavoring
  • confectionery
  • tea
  • tobacco flavoring