textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Water Parsnip
Berula thunbergii
SA tree number
English: Water Parsnip, Cutleaf Water Parsnip, Toothache Root, Water Celery, Wild Celery
Afrikaans: Waterpietersielie, Waterseldery, Tandpynbossie, Tandpyn Wortel
Sotho: lehlatso, lekxapi, qaqawe
Historical scientific names: Sium thunbergii, Afrocarum thunbergii, Berula erecta subsp. thunbergii, Sium thunbergii, Sium gallabatense, Sium angustifolium
Berula thunbergii, commonly known as Water Parsnip or Water Celery, is an indigenous aquatic to semi-aquatic perennial herb. It's often found growing in or near fresh water, recognised by its bright green, fern-like leaves and its delicate clusters of small white flowers arranged in umbrella-like heads.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Aquatic to semi-aquatic habit, often growing partially submerged or in very wet soil.
Bright green, compound leaves, resembling celery or parsley, with deeply toothed leaflets.
Slender, hollow stems.
Small, white flowers borne in flattened, umbrella-like clusters (umbels).
Often forms dense stands in suitable wet conditions.
Overall appearance:
The Water Parsnip (Berula thunbergii) is an attractive, herbaceous plant that thrives in wetland environments. It forms lush clumps of bright green, celery-like leaves from which slender stems emerge, topped with delicate white, umbrella-shaped flower clusters, giving it a fresh and vibrant appearance.
Height:
Typically grows 30 cm to 1 metre tall, sometimes taller when growing in water.
Width:
Can spread extensively, forming dense patches of 0.5 to 1.5 metres or more in width.
Leaves:
The leaves are bright green, hairless (glabrous), and compound (pinnate), resembling those of celery or parsley. They are arranged alternately along the stems. Each leaf is divided into numerous ovate to oblong leaflets, which are typically deeply toothed or serrated along their margins. The submerged leaves may be more finely dissected.
Flowers:
The flowers are tiny, inconspicuous, and white. They are borne in compound umbels, which are flattened, umbrella-like clusters, typically 2-8 cm in diameter, held on stalks above the foliage. Each umbel consists of many smaller umbellules. Berula thunbergii flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It generally flowers in spring and summer (around September to March).
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, flattened, oval or roundish schizocarp (a dry fruit that splits into two or more one-seeded parts), typically 2-3 mm long. It is ribbed and often has a strong aroma.
Seeds:
Each schizocarp splits into two one-seeded mericarps, which are the seeds. They are small and have characteristic ridges.
Stems: The stems are hollow, cylindrical, and bright green, becoming somewhat purplish-brown with age, especially towards the base. They are smooth and relatively slender.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has a fibrous root system that helps it anchor in muddy or wet substrates. It can also produce adventitious roots along its creeping stems, enabling it to spread.
Soil type:
Requires permanently wet to waterlogged conditions, growing in mud, shallow water, or alongside streams and ponds. Prefers rich, organic, loamy soils, but is adaptable to various substrates found in wetlands.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires constant access to fresh water and moist soil. It is moderately frost-tolerant, often dying back in severe frost but regrowing from its roots.
Ediblity:
The leaves and stems of Berula thunbergii are sometimes used as a wild edible, similar to celery or parsley, especially in traditional South African cuisine. It is generally considered edible, though it should be correctly identified to avoid confusion with other toxic members of the Apiaceae family. It is best consumed cooked.
Toxicity:
While generally considered edible, it is crucial to accurately identify Berula thunbergii as the Apiaceae (carrot) family contains many highly toxic plants (e.g., Water Hemlock, Cicuta virosa). Ingestion of misidentified toxic plants can be fatal. Foraging should only be done with expert guidance.
Uses:
Historically and traditionally, the leaves and stems have been used as a food source, eaten raw or cooked. In gardens, it is used as an ornamental plant for water features, bog gardens, and alongside ponds or streams, where it helps to naturalise the area and provide habitat. It also plays a role in filtering water and stabilising banks in wetland ecosystems.
Ecology:
Provides important habitat and shelter for aquatic invertebrates, frogs, and other small wetland creatures. Its leaves and stems can be a food source for certain water birds or mammals. The flowers attract various small insects, including flies and bees, which act as pollinators. It helps to oxygenate water and provides cover for fish fry.
Distribution and habitat:
Berula thunbergii is indigenous and widespread across a large part of South Africa, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape provinces. It extends into other parts of Southern and East Africa. It naturally occurs in permanent freshwater environments such as streams, rivers, marshes, vleis, ponds, and ditches, often forming dense stands.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Berula is from the Latin "berula," an ancient name for a watercress-like plant.
The species name thunbergii honours Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), a renowned Swedish botanist and "father of South African botany," who collected extensively in the Cape.
Common names like "Water Parsnip" and "Water Celery" refer to its aquatic habitat and its resemblance to these culinary herbs.
Historical aspects:
As a widespread indigenous aquatic plant, Berula thunbergii has long been a natural component of South Africa's freshwater ecosystems. Its historical use as a wild edible by various indigenous communities highlights its importance as a local food source. Its presence indicates healthy freshwater systems. In modern conservation efforts, it is recognised for its role in wetland restoration and for providing habitat for diverse aquatic life.
Interesting facts:
This plant is a true water lover, often found with its "feet" (roots) literally in the water, making it perfect for boggy spots!
It's like a natural water filter, helping to keep our rivers and ponds clean and healthy.
Its leaves look just like the celery you find in the supermarket, and in some traditional cultures, they are actually eaten! (But remember, always be super sure of your plant identification before tasting anything wild!)
The little white flowers cluster together like miniature umbrellas, ready to catch any passing pollinator.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Easily propagated from seed or by dividing established clumps, especially the creeping rhizomes.
Planting: Plant in permanently wet soil, boggy areas, or shallow water (up to 15-20 cm deep).
Watering: Requires consistently wet to waterlogged conditions. Do not let it dry out.
Frost Protection: Moderately frost-tolerant. In very cold areas, it may die back but usually regrows from the roots.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can be trimmed to control spread if it becomes too vigorous. Ensure it has access to fresh water.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)