Visnaga, Bisnaga, Toothpick weed
Visnaga daucoides

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

An annual/biennial plant. It grows to 75 cm high and 40 cm wide. The upper leaves have narrow lobes. The flowers are greenish-white. The umbels have 150 rays. They arise from a thickened disk.

There are 10 Ammi species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It grows naturally in fields and sandy places. It prefers a well drained soil in a sunny position. It tolerates a pH in the range 6.8 to 8.3. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canary Is., Caucasus, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, South America, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Leaves are chewed raw for their flavour. They are also used in salads. The seeds are used as a spice in soft cheese. They are also used as a herbal tea. CAUTION: The sap can irritate the skin.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds - spice

How it is grown

It is grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Dis otu, Hirhir, Kheleh

Synonyms

Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam.; Apium visnaga (Linn.) Crantz; Daucus visnaga Linn.;