Common Name:

General Information

Ferula marmarica is a herbaceous perennial
plant
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of medicine and materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

N. Africa - northeast Libya, Egypt

Habitat

Deserts[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ferula marmarica is a plant of arid to semi-arid regions in the southeastern Mediterranean
Ferula species generally can succeed in most soils[], though they prefer a deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position[].
Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance[]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The resin obtained from the roots is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

A gum, 'Ammoniac of Cyrenaica' is obtained from the plant[, ]. No more details are given but it is likely to be obtained from incisions made in the root[].

A copious resin is obtained from incisions made on the taproot soon after the plant flowers. This hardens and has medicinal plus various other uses. It burns readily, leaving behind a not unpleasant smell. It is used for lighting fires and is also sometimes made into candles, though it is a very poor illuminant[].

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.