coriander Summary and Overview

Heb. gad, (Ex. 16:31; Num. 11:7), seed to which the manna is likened in its form and colour. It is the Coriandrum sativum of botanists, an umbelliferous annual plant with a round stalk, about two feet high. It is widely cultivated in Eastern countries and in the south of Europe for the sake of its seeds, which are in the form of a little ball of the size of a peppercorn. They are used medicinally and as a spice. The Greek name of this plant is korion or koriannon, whence the name "coriander."

The plant called Coriandrum sativum is found in Egypt, Persia and India, and has a round tall stalk; it bears umbelliferous white or reddish flowers, from which arise globular, grayish, spicy seed-corns, marked with fine striae. It is mentioned twice in the Bible. #Ex 16:31; Nu 11:7|

To it in form and color the manna is compared (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7). The gad, Phoenician, goid. An umbelliferous plant, with white or red flowers producing globular, gray, spicy, striated, seedvessels. Used as a condiment with food in Egypt, and in making confectionery.