Practical
Plants

Ammi majus

Bishop's Weed

an annual member of the Ammi genus in the family Umbelliferae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Ammi
Life cycle
annual
Height
0.75 m
Spread
0.4 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root contains 8-methoxypsoralen, this stimulates the production of pigmentation in skin exposed to ultra-violet light, but it can cause side-effects. Use with caution[1]. Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[5].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - used as a condiment[3][4].

Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed is contraceptive, diuretic and tonic[6]. An infusion is used to calm the digestive system, whilst it is also used in the treatment of asthma and angina[7]. A decoction of the ground-up seed, eaten after intercourse, appears able to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus[6]. This decoction is also used as a gargle in the treatment of toothache[6]. The seed contains furanocoumarins (including bergapten), which stimulate pigment production in skin that is exposed to bright sunlight[6][7]. The plant is widely cultivated in India for these furanocoumarins which are used in the treatment of vitiligo (piebald skin) and psoriasis[6][7].

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root is chewed to give protection from strong sunlight. It contains 8-methoxypsoralen which stimulates production of pigment in skin exposed to U.V. light. Caution is advised, however, since it can cause side-effects[1]. Other reports suggest that it is the seeds that are used[6][7].

Product or use
Weather protection

Environment

Range
C. Europe to W. Asia and N. Africa. A casual in Britain[2].
Habitat
Waste places in Britain[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ[6].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position[6], succeeding in ordinary garden soil. This species is often cultivated for its attractive flowering stems which are often sold in markets[6]. It is cultivated in India as a medicinal herb[6].

References

  1. Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987.

    ↩1↩2

  2. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  5. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩

  6. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10

  7. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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