Ammoniac Gum

Sixteen species of short-lived, large-leafed perennials and subshrubs belong to this genus, occuring in C and SW Asia. All are monocarpic. Dorema ammoniacum is listed in Victorian gardening manuals as "of easy culture" and "increased readily by seed". This imposing member of the parsley family would make an interesting feature in the herb garden, but is seems to have disappeared from cultivation. Dorema ammoniacum was named after the temple of Ammon, because the gum resin was first extracted from plants in this area of Libya, its use being mentioned by Hippocrates in the first century CE. The gum resin exudes naturally from holes in the stems caused by beetles.

Giant perennial with branched, hairy stems, woody at the base and 3-6cm (1¼-2½in) in diameter, and large, divided leaves. Tiny white flowers are produced in umbels in spring and summer, followed by elliptic seeds, about 7,, (¼in) long.

Common Name:	Ammoniac Gum
Other Names:	Ammoniac
Botanical Name:	Dorema ammoniacum
Genus:	Dorema
Family:	Apiaceae
Native Location:	Iran to Afghanistan and Pakistan
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry, stony soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn or spring
Harvest:	Gum resin is collected from incisions in stems and leaf stalks during the flowering and fruiting periods. It is solidified into "tears" or blocks before grinding into powder.
Height:	2-3m (6-10ft)
Width:	1-1.5m (3-5ft)
Hardiness:	Z7-9
Parts Used:	Gum resin
Properties:	A strong smelling, acrid, stimulant herb that has expectorant effects, relaxes spasms, and increases perspiration.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for chronic bronchitis (especially in the elderly), asthma, or excess mucus. Externally for swollen joints and indolent tumors.
Economic Uses:	Formerly used in perfumery and in porcelain cement.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 196