Coriander (also known as cilantro) is native to southwestern Asia west to north Africa. It is a soft, hairless, foetid plant growing to 50 cm [20 in.] tall  All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the most commonly used in cooking. Coriander is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, South Asian, Latin American, Chinese, African and Southeast Asian cuisine.