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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The gum resin obtained from the root is used as a celery-like food flavouring[1][2].

Unknown part

Material uses

The aromatic gum resin 'Galbanum' is obtained from wounds made in the stem[3]. It is collected by removing soil from around the top of the root and then cutting a slice off the root[4][2] and can also be obtained from incisions made in the stem[2]. It is used medicinally and is also an ingredient of incense[5][4][6][2]. It was an important ingredient of the incense used by the Israelites[7].
There are no material uses listed for Ferula gummosa.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant, but especially the root, contains the gum resin 'galbanum'[3]. This is antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant and stimulant[3][8][4][2]. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, asthma and other chest complaints[3][2]. It is a digestive stimulant and antispasmodic, reducing flatulence, griping pains and colic[9]. Externally it is used as a plaster for inflammatory swellings, ulcers, boils, wounds and skin complaints[3][2].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[5]. Otherwise sow in April in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions whilst still small because the plants dislike root disturbance[5]. Give the plants a protective mulch for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Ferula gummosa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils[5]. Requires a deep fertile soil in a sunny position[10].

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[10]. Another report says that it tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c and should therefore succeed outdoors in most parts of the country[2]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance due to their long taproot[10]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.

The flowers have an unpleasant smell[11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Ferula gummosa. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Ferula gummosa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Ferula gummosa
Genus
Ferula
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    1 x 1 meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.002.012.022.032.042.052.062.072.082.092.10 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.6 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    11. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    12. ? Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)