Flora canaria > Especies silvestres
Ammi visnaga
Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam.
Familia
APIACEAE
Biznaga, Visnaga
Ammi visnaga, commonly known as biznaga, viznaga or ‘toothpick’, is an annual or biennial herbaceous species belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa, and has historically been widespread from the Nile Delta to the Iberian Peninsula.
The plant grows to a height of up to one metre, with finely divided leaves and sturdy stems.
Its small white flowers are grouped in large compound umbels that can have over 100 rays. As they dry, the rays become rigid.
The plant’s fruits contain essential active compounds called furanchromones (khellin, visnagin and visnadin):
It acts as a powerful smooth muscle relaxant.
It is used under medical supervision to relieve asthma, renal colic (kidney stones) and urinary or coronary spasms.
It is highly toxic if not taken in the correct dosage and may cause nausea, dizziness or headaches. It is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding and in children. Its use must always be supervised by a doctor.
In Málaga, the dried structure of the inflorescence is used as a framework in handicrafts. Artisans (biznagueros) meticulously attach unopened jasmine buds to its spokes to form a composite, fragrant flower that is very popular in summer.
Historically, its dried and hardened spokes were used directly as natural toothpicks.
In parts of Andalusia, it was cut in spring to cover the roofs of livestock pens, helping to block out the sun’s heat and reduce the temperature for the livestock.
La Palma, Gran Canaria
Biznaga, Visnaga
Ammi visnaga, commonly known as biznaga, viznaga or ‘toothpick’, is an annual or biennial herbaceous species belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa, and has historically been widespread from the Nile Delta to the Iberian Peninsula.
The plant grows to a height of up to one metre, with finely divided leaves and sturdy stems.
Its small white flowers are grouped in large compound umbels that can have over 100 rays. As they dry, the rays become rigid.
The plant’s fruits contain essential active compounds called furanchromones (khellin, visnagin and visnadin):
It acts as a powerful smooth muscle relaxant.
It is used under medical supervision to relieve asthma, renal colic (kidney stones) and urinary or coronary spasms.
It is highly toxic if not taken in the correct dosage and may cause nausea, dizziness or headaches. It is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding and in children. Its use must always be supervised by a doctor.
In Málaga, the dried structure of the inflorescence is used as a framework in handicrafts. Artisans (biznagueros) meticulously attach unopened jasmine buds to its spokes to form a composite, fragrant flower that is very popular in summer.
Historically, its dried and hardened spokes were used directly as natural toothpicks.
In parts of Andalusia, it was cut in spring to cover the roofs of livestock pens, helping to block out the sun’s heat and reduce the temperature for the livestock.
La Palma, Gran Canaria
