Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Coriander is an annual herb of the parsley family indigenous to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. This green, shiny plant, which grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, has a much-breached stem and finely defined leaves. The dried ripe fruits are the spice known as Coriander seed. The seeds aroma is warm, nutty and spicy. The seed is produced in Russia, India, South America, North Africa, especially Morocco - and in Holland. Coriandrum, is derived from the Greek koris, meaning bedbug, the fetid, unpleasant "buggy" odor of the foliage and of the green, unripened fruit is responsible for the name.