Wild fennel is a spontaneous plant, widespread in the Mediterranean basin, where it grows in meadows and along roadsides. It has a branched stem from which many leaflets branch off; its fruits are small oblong grains used in liqueur shops and to flavour cakes and bread. Wild fennel is widely used in typical regional preparations (e.g. the famous Sicilian pasta with sardines) and also as condiment to season mixed grilled meats.