Bishop's Weed, Large bullwort, Queen Anne's Lace, Bishop's Flower

Ammi majus

Physical Characteristics

Ammi majus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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.

Distribution

C. Europe to W. Asia and N. Africa. A casual in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - used as a condiment[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

The seed is contraceptive, diuretic and tonic[238]. An infusion is used to calm the digestive system, whilst it is also used in the treatment of asthma and angina[254]. A decoction of the ground-up seed, eaten after intercourse, appears able to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus[238]. This decoction is also used as a gargle in the treatment of toothache[238]. The seed contains furanocoumarins (including bergapten), which stimulate pigment production in skin that is exposed to bright sunlight[238, 254]. The plant is widely cultivated in India for these furanocoumarins which are used in the treatment of vitiligo (piebald skin) and psoriasis[238, 254].

Known Hazards

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[160]. Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].