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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Atractylis gummifera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum Gum
A gum obtained from the plant is used for chewing[46, 61, 100].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Gum Gum
A gum obtained from the plant is used as an adulteration for mastic[46, 61, 100]. Mastic (obtained from Pistacia lentiscus) is used in high grade varnishes, as a fixative in perfumes, tooth pastes, glue (especially for false beards), embalming, a temporary filling for teeth etc[7, 11, 46, 57, 64, 171, 200, 238]. It is used to seal the edges of microscope mounts and is also chewed to preserve the teeth and gums[64].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this species, but it succeeds outdoors at Bristol Botanical Gardens, where it flowers and sets viable seed[K]. It is likely to prefer a well-drained soil and a sunny position[K]. It strongly dislikes winter wet[K]. A monocarpic plant, living for a number of years without flowering, but then dying after it does flower.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame until they are planted out in early summer. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in situ in mid to late spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Botanical References
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Links / References
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