Ferula

Ferula narthex

Physical Characteristics

Ferula narthex is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. 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 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.

Distribution

W. Asia - Afghanistan to Pakistan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Gum Leaves and young shoots[105, 177]. Used as a pot-herb[2]. The gum obtained from the roots is used as a condiment[2, 46].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Carminative Contraceptive Diaphoretic Expectorant Nervine The gum resin obtained from the root is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, expectorant and nervine[240]. It is used in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, flatulent colic, and in pneumonia and bronchitis in children[240]. The leaves are carminative and diaphoretic[240]. The plant has recently been investigated as a potential contraceptive[254].

Known Hazards

None known