Opopanax
Opopanax chironium

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Opopanax chironium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from October to August, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Stony ground, olive groves, vineyards etc.

S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The gum (an oleo resin according to one report) that is obtained from the base of the stems is antispasmodic and deobstruent. It is nowadays considered to be a medium of feeble powers though it was at one time widely used in the treatment of menstrual disorders, asthma, chronic visceral afflictions etc.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.

Other

Rating: 2

A gum is obtained through incisions in the roots at the base of the stems. It is used in perfumery and also in medicines. The gum is inflammable, burning brightly.

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any good garden soil. It can tolerate very considerable neglect, some plants we were growing were left to fend for themselves in very dense weed growth and survived well for 8 years before being moved to another site. We are not sure how hardy this plant is, but the foliage has withstood short periods of temperatures down to -6°c with us. A warm climate is necessary in order to produce good quality gum. Plants seem to be very tolerant of root disturbance, specimens that had been growing for 4 years in one site grew away very well when transplanted as they came into growth in late autumn.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. If seed is in short supply then it is best to sow it in a pot in the greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Malabaila opopanax.