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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.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Ferula gummosa Galbanum


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Koeh-205.jpg
Ferula gummosa Galbanum

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Ferula gummosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 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: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

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].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Antispasmodic  Carminative  Expectorant  Stimulant

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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The aromatic gum resin 'Galbanum' is obtained from wounds made in the stem[4]. It is collected by removing soil from around the top of the root and then cutting a slice off the root[64, 238] and can also be obtained from incisions made in the stem[238]. It is used medicinally and is also an ingredient of incense[1, 64, 171, 238]. It was an important ingredient of the incense used by the Israelites[268].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils[1]. Requires a deep fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Another report says that it tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c and should therefore succeed outdoors in most parts of the country[238]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance due to their long taproot[200]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible. The flowers have an unpleasant smell[245].

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 - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[1]. 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[1]. 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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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 :

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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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Expert comment

Author

Boiss.

Botanical References

74200

Links / References

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Readers comment

Dr. Behboodi   Mon Feb 26 2007

I think F.Gummosa is a endemic plant of Iran ( Lar valley). I am interested of biology of this plant, and germination of seeds.Would you please let me know about this subject?

   Feb 3 2016 12:00AM

Other common names are: Galbano [spanish]. Férule gommeuse, galbanum [french]. Galbanum, galbanum gum, giant fennel, persian galbanum, galbanum resin, galbanum plant [english]. Barijeh [iranian].

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