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the giant fennel (Ferula communis) by Jonathan Radford

a giant amongst giants

Most of us are familiar with the stunning, yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant that has a strong scent of aniseed. Many of us are also aware of its culinary uses and that it looks great in the gardening towering over most other perennial plants. There is, however, another Mediterranean plant that dominates even the impressive stature of the well known fennel.

Ferula communis, otherwise known as the Giant fennel is a native to the Mediterranean, North Africa and eastern Asia and can grow to an incredible 4m in ideal conditions. Preferring dry, limestone soils and flourishing in the hottest of sunshine it is a plant to be reckoned with! It can of often be seen here in Italy towering over the crash barriers by the side of the motorway, relishing in the extra heat provided by the searing black tarmac.

This monster plant is not a fennel at all, as it actually finds itself in the parsley family and is instantly recognisable as an umbelliferous plant with its wide yellow flowers supported on hollow stems. The Romans used these thick stems to make walking sticks, splints and even as an instrument of torture known as a ferula. Greek mythology states that Prometheus stole fire from the Gods and smuggled it back in the hollow stems of this plant. Its easy to imagine how the bright flame-yellow flowers of ferula could have inspired the ancient Greeks to believe that it had a connection with fire. The hermaphrodite flowers emit a pungent and acrid scent which attracts flies and these in turn are the prime pollinators of this plant.

The resinous substance derived from certain species of this plant is known as Ammoniac and is used to treat blood pressure, flatulence and the smoke was inhaled for coughs in Sicily. A substance within the plant has been used to induce abortion, when used in the first 3 months of pregnancy. The ground root of some species of ferula produces a spice named hing which is used in Indian cuisine as a strong flavouring.

In the Italian garden Ferula can be used in the wild flower meadow on the hottest and steepest of south-facing slopes where very little else will grow. The presence of this plant in a large perennial border or, even in the vegetable garden, will impress with its impressive structure and colour. Try combining it with sunflowers and fennel and you will see that it really is a true giant amongst giants!

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