Ferula gummosa - Boiss.
| Common Name |
Galbanum |
| Family |
Apiaceae or Umbelliferae |
| USDA hardiness |
5-9 |
| Known Hazards |
None known |
| Habitats |
Herbaceous slopes in steppes[74]. |
| Range |
W. Asia - Central Iran, Turkey and southern Russia. |
Physical Characteristics
Ferula gummosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Synonyms
F. galbaniflua. Bioss.&Buhse.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment
The gum resin obtained from the root is used as a celery-like food flavouring[177, 238].
Medicinal Uses
The whole plant, but especially the root, contains the gum resin 'galbanum'[4]. This is antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant and stimulant[4, 46, 64, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, asthma and other chest complaints[4, 238]. It is a digestive stimulant and antispasmodic, reducing flatulence, griping pains and colic[254]. Externally it is used as a plaster for inflammatory swellings, ulcers, boils, wounds and skin complaints[4, 238].