Giant fennel (Ferula communis) is not a true fennel but is so named because it looks very similar to fennel. Giant fennel grows all over the Mediterranean, especially in the more arid areas. Here in Malta it is very common to see giant fennel growing on cliff tops – its bright yellow flowers providing a vivid contrast to the blue of the surrounding sea.
The plant flowers between March and early May after which seeds form on the umbels (the umbrella-like flowers). This plant is a perennial and easily grows to heights of 2.5 metres.
The sight of flowering giant fennel is a sure sign that spring is on its way. The plant has anti-coagulant properties and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities or over long periods of time. In antiquity it was known as narthex and it is said to be the plant used by Prometheus to steal fire from heaven to give to mankind.
Photographed at
Dingli Cliffs, March 2010
and
Fawwara, April 2011
That second photograph is an absolute feast, Loree.
ReplyDeleteBlue and yellow, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMust be an amazing sight! Love that blue sky, it makes me long for warmer days and Spring. Winter has begun here in Belgium today, we had a large amount of snow and it's very very cold.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers remind me of dill, and I think the Giant Fennel look gorgeous against the ocean!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen such a giant "fennel" looks beautiful !
ReplyDeletelove the contrast of the blue and yellow in that second shot, especially (and the little pink wildflowers in the background.)
ReplyDeleteThe color against the blue is fantastic! All these great posts to catch up on!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful !! The color is magical and the photos are spectacular..such eye candy for me..as i love flowers..what a beautiful setting and gorgeous sceneries!! Bliss!
ReplyDeleteVictoria
Hi Loree
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been such a slacker this year.. will need to amend my ways soon.. haha
Love this fennel.. or fennel look alike.. funny I actually didn't know what fennel looked like till now.. I use the aromatherapy fennel oil almost daily.. so great to put an image to my daily fix..
I just love your stormy beach shots in last post!! fantastic.. nothing better... the sea and a storm brewing..
Have a fantastic week and thanks for hanging in there with me during my slackness. haha
ciao ciao xxx Julie
I'm just back from Malta und want to say thank you for the name of this plant. We saw ist flowering near Blue Grotta and the Dingli Cliffs. It's really beautiful and giant!!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Germany
Arti