The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Galbanum

General Information

Ferula gummosa is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

W. Asia - Central Iran, Turkey and southern Russia.

Habitat

Herbaceous slopes in steppes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

The gum resin obtained from the root is used as a celery-like food flavouring[, ].

Medicinal

The whole plant, but especially the root, contains the gum resin 'galbanum'[]. This is antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant and stimulant[, , , ]. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, asthma and other chest complaints[, ]. It is a digestive stimulant and antispasmodic, reducing flatulence, griping pains and colic[]. Externally it is used as a plaster for inflammatory swellings, ulcers, boils, wounds and skin complaints[, ].

Other Uses

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

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[]. 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.