Daucus carota subsp.sativa - carrot

Daucus carota subsp.sativa - carrot by Eiko Takano

Daucus carota subsp. sativa, commonly known as the Cultivated Carrot, is a domesticated form of the wild carrot, originally native to Europe and southwestern Asia. While best known today as a staple food, the carrot has a long history in traditional medicine. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants, carrots have been used to support vision, digestion, and overall health. In folklore, the carrot has been associated with vitality, fertility, and protection. In some traditions, it was believed that eating carrots could bring good luck and enhance beauty. The deep orange varieties, which became prominent through selective cultivation, were once considered symbols of wealth and abundance. In European folklore, wild carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace) was sometimes linked to magical protection. 

Chelsea Physic Garden has been a centre of medicinal plant knowledge for over 350 years. Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain. Its living collection includes species from across the globe, many with histories deeply rooted in medicinal and cultural practice. Today, the Garden continues to inspire learning, offering a space for people to connect with nature and explore the essential role plants play in our health, culture, and survival.