Parsley formed the crown with Hercules crowned himself as conqueror of the Numean lion. Cabbage was used by the Egyptians, as was also garlic, the leek and the onion. There were many other historical references to the use of plants and plant life hundreds of years before the discovery of America. Alexander the Great probably introduced the string bean into Europe from the fields of India, Asparagus came from Asia and the Romans cultivated it with such success that stalks were raised which weighed three pounds each. The olive tree was venerated for its fruit, which was used as an hors d'oeuvre to clear the palate and for its oil, which took the place of butter.