Ferula species, Platres, Cyprus, in May. The large, yellow mass of flowers is typical of this genus. Several species were used in ancient times for their putative medicinal value.
GALBANUM IS ONE OF THE MOST mysterious plant products in the Bible; its true identity remains elusive. Most Bible plant scholars have suggested that it is a species of Ferula, a member of the same family as carrot and parsley. There are several species of that genus in the flora of the Middle East (Post 1903).
The sole biblical reference to galbanum regards compounding incense: “Take sweet spices: storax, onycha, galbanum, sweet spices and pure frankincense in equal parts” (Exodus 30:34b, NJB).
All species of Ferula are herbaceous plants, often with very large leaves and masses of small yellow flowers. The entire plant contains a resin that is often pleasantly scented. Plants are valued for their use in food. The spice asofoetida, especially prominent in Indian cuisine, is derived from Ferula assafoetida. Today, some species of Ferula are important in the perfume industry, and there is evidence that the plant was used for that purpose in ancient times as well.
Within the past 20 years, Ferula hermonis (the specific epithet refers to Mount Hermon, where it is known to grow) was reported to be an aphrodisiac. This belief led to extreme overharvesting of the native plant, so that a few years ago I was unable to find it on the Syrian part of the mountain. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that there is no basis for this putative value, but the plant still remains of interest among local people.