Atractylis gummifera
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Atractylis gummifera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Field verges and roadsides.
Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A gum obtained from the plant is used for chewing.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A gum obtained from the plant is used as an adulteration for mastic. Mastic (obtained from Pistacia lentiscus) is used in high grade varnishes, as a fixative in perfumes, tooth pastes, glue (especially for false beards), embalming, a temporary filling for teeth etc. It is used to seal the edges of microscope mounts and is also chewed to preserve the teeth and gums.
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
How it is grown
We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this species, but it succeeds outdoors at Bristol Botanical Gardens, where it flowers and sets viable seed. It is likely to prefer a well-drained soil and a sunny position. It strongly dislikes winter wet. A monocarpic plant, living for a number of years without flowering, but then dying after it does flower.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame until they are planted out in early summer. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in situ in mid to late spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist