Common Name: Giant Fennel

General Information

Ferula communis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a taproot; the robust stems can be 30mm in diameter near the base and can grow around 200 - 300cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, there are some named varieties[].
Ferula communis is common in most of the countries of its wide range and the overall trend of the population is stable. Any threats affecting the species are of low to medium impact with a small scope and range, they are unlikely to cause the global populations to decline significantly in the near future. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2015)[].

Known Hazards

A resin obtained from the plant is used medicinally, but in larger doeses can be harmful. It contains coumarin and other anti-nutritional factors and can cause internal and external haemorrhages, loss of vitamin K, anorexia, diarrhoea, weakness, hypothermia and hypoprothrombinuria[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Throughout the Mediterranean region, extending to Arabia and eastern Africa south to Tanzania

Habitat

Woodland, forest glades, rough grassland, pastures, ruderal communities, rocky and stony places, uncultivated land, mountain plain, river banks, pond margins, river beds, olive groves, coastal edges, steep hills; at elevations up to 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ferula communis is hardy to about -10°c, possibly lower if the rootstock is mulched in the winter[].
Succeeds in most soils[] including dry ones according to one report[] whilst others say that it requires a deep moist fertile soil in a sunny position[, ]. Established plants are drought resistant[].
A very ornamental plant[], though the flowers have a most unpleasant rancid smell[].
Plants are often monoecious[].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance due to their long taproot[]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.
The sub-species brevifolia is the form used for its gum[, , , ].

Edible Uses

Leaves[]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

A resin obtained from the plant is sedative and also used in the treatment of diabetes[].

The fresh or dried aerial parts of the plant have a long history of use for the treatment of dysentery and as an antihysteric agent[].

The roots are analgesic, antihelmintic, and diuretic. They are used in the treatment of rheumatism and joint pains, and are also said to act as an effective contraceptive for women[].

The fresh or dried rhizomes are used to treat skin disorders[].

The roasted flowers are said to be effective against dysentery and hay fever[].

The fresh seed is used to treat snakebites, hysteria, convulsions, diarrhoea, diabetes, dizziness and stomach aches, to relieve muscle cramps and to stop bleeding[].

Other Uses

A gum 'Gum Ammoniac' is obtained by notching the root[, , , ]. It is used as an incense[], it also has medicinal value[].

The stems are used in furniture making[].

The dried pith is used as a tinder, it burns very slowly inside the stem and can thus be carried from one place to another[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[]. Otherwise sow in mid spring 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[]. If necessary, give the plants a protective mulch for their first winter outdoors.
Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.