Stink fetida, Hing asafetida
Ferula narthex

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2.5 m tall. The roots are thick and the stem base is fibrous. The leaves are large and twice divided. The segments are oblong. The edges can be entire or have teeth. The flowers are in groups of up to 30. They are yellow.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in grassy slopes at about 3,600 m above sea level in Tibet. It suits hardiness zone 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, Himalayas, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The green shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The gum is used as a condiment.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. It can also be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Kama-i-gawi, Kama-i-anguza

Synonyms

Narthex asafoetida Falc.; Peucedanum narthex Baill.;