Coriander, also known as cilantro, is an annual herb native to regions spanning from southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia. It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink. The seeds are generally used as a spice or an added ingredient in other foods or recipes, although sometimes they are eaten alone.