Ferula Communis
Family: Apiaceae
English: Giant Fennels
Legend has it that Prometheus used this plant to carry the precious gift, fire, to the people. Its common name is "Arthekas" and proliferates on Greek hills, but it originates from Persia (Iran).
This plant has bright yellow flowers and a thick, stout and quite flammable stalk that can be used to start fires. This plant was also dedicated to god Dionysus. The association with Dionysus is that those participating in Dionysiac rites used the plant's dry and hollow stalks to make spears.
This plant has been associated with the "sylphion", a kind of all-purpose condiment for ancient Greeks and Romans. However, this has not been verified. Its milky, bitter and acerbic juice is collected and treated for pharmaceutical purposes.
Popular Greek names:
"Artikas", "Anarthikas", "Vanouka" or "Koufoxylia".
