Ferula

Ferula is a genus of about 170 species of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region east to central Asia, mostly growing in arid climates. They are herbaceous perennial plants growing to 1–4 m tall, with stout, hollow, somewhat succulent stems. The leaves are tripinnate or even more finely divided, with a stout basal sheath clasping the stem. The flowers are yellow, produced in large umbels. Many plants of this genus, especially F. communis are referred to as "giant fennel," although they are not fennel in the strict sense.

Species

Some notable species within the Ferula genus include:

• Ferula communis (Giant Fennel)
• Ferula gummosa (Galbanum)
• Ferula hermonis (Zallouh)
• Ferula tingitana (African Ammoniacum)

Uses

Several species of Ferula are used for their aromatic gum resin, obtained from the roots of the plant. The most well-known of these is Asafoetida, derived from Ferula assa-foetida. Other species, such as Ferula gummosa and Ferula hermonis, are also used for their resins.

Medicinal Uses

Ferula has been used in traditional medicine for its antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative, and sedative properties. The gum resin of some species, like Ferula assa-foetida, is used in the treatment of hysteria, some nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.

See Also

• Apiaceae
• Asafoetida
• Galbanum
• Zallouh

References

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