AMMI MAJUS

Description

It may not be a true “royal”, but there’s no denying this flower’s regal appeal. Coveted by designers for its delicate and airy, lace-like looks, Ammi comprises a group of herbaceous perennials (or sometimes biennials) that are oftentimes mistaken for their more “royal” cousin (Daucus carota, or Queen Anne’s Lace). Since their flowers look almost identical, Ammi is commonly referred to as false Queen Anne’s Lace, but there’s nothing false about this plant’s beauty and inviting charm.

Endemic to Egypt’s Nile River Valley, the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, the Ammi genus includes about seven species of flowering herbs that are members of the Apiaceae (carrot) family. Most cultivars used by designers today are derived from Ammi majus, whose origins trace back to around 2,000 B.C. Historically, Ammi has been used by ancient Egyptian caravan travelers who used the plants as a natural bronzer of sorts. Its roots contain 8-methoxypsoralen, a compound with pigment producing properties. By chewing on these roots, travelers had an easy and inexpensive source of protection against the sun’s harsh UV rays.

These medicinal applications carried over into the 13th century, where vitiligo (a condition that causes loss of skin color in blotches) was treated with Ammi seeds. Given their high concentration of furanocoumarins, Ammi seeds are beneficial for treating skin-related ailments like psoriasis, eczema, alopecia and, of course, vitiligo. Ground-up seeds were also utilized in the production of contraceptives and were found in tonics that could alleviate tooth and chest pain, along with urinary infections. They can even be used as an aromatic spice! Given this versatility, Ammi remains a popular ingredient in contemporary herbal medicines and cuisine, especially in India. However, when handing Ammi—especially if you’re coming into contact with the plant's sap—proceed with some caution. Its sap contains phototoxic compounds that can cause photosensitivity or dermatitis. 

Today, Ammi is distinguished mostly by its commercial uses, specifically as a cut flower and garden ornamental. The two most popular species cultivated for the cut flower trade are A. majus and A. visnaga. These wildflower-like plants feature multi-branched stems that grow between 90–120 cm in height and are topped with large, dome-shaped umbels. These umbels (between 7–15 cm in diameter) are densely packed with small, pure white (or sometimes green) flowers that mimic lace from a distance. (Hence the common names lace flower and white lace flower.) These blossoms may sometimes produce a faint, yet unpleasant scent. On the other hand, its attractive, feathery foliage contributes to the plant’s overall airy look, making it an excellent filler flower for garden-style arrangements and wedding designs.

As we mentioned earlier, Ammi is oftentimes mistaken for the real Queen Anne’s Lace, or Daucus carota. It makes sense, too, since their flowers are almost mirror copies of one other. They are also members of the same carrot family. However, one can tell these “cousins” apart by their coloration. Ammi flowers are pure white and they don’t feature the dark central dot seen on Queen Anne’s lace flowers. Ammi is also more delicate and less weedy; in fact, many biennial species of Queen Anne’s lace have been listed as invasive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Among contemporary designers, Ammi remains a coveted accent flower for its versatility and overt good looks. Like Gypsophila, it adds soft yet full volume to wedding bouquets and spring/summer arrangements. Its ethereal flowers also combine effortlessly with virtually all color palettes and arrange beautifully with large-headed flowers like roses, lilies and peonies. Ammi also makes a desirable garden plant; if added to a home garden, you will be rewarded with hoards of butterflies and other pollinating insects!

Colors: White, green

Special Care

Select straight, sturdy stems that have umbels with a majority of their florets open. Any stems with under fifty percent of their florets open may have been harvested too early; these usually wilt faster because they do not take in water properly. Also avoid flowering stems that are shedding petals or pollen.

When processing, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut the stems about 2.5 cm at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them immediately in water mixed with a floral preservative (with sugar and a biocide) for at least two hours before storage or use in floral work. Although not required, stems can be recut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away. Ammi flowers are ethylene sensitive, so keep them away from sources of the gas. Also, since it is easily susceptible to water stress, avoid using floral foam with Ammi stems, unless they are cut short.

Stems may be stored for a couple of days at 34–36ºF (1–2ºC) at 75–80% humidity, but this isn’t required.

Arrangements with Ammi should be kept out of areas receiving direct sunlight. Its stems will begin shedding fine pollen as they mature. Ammi is also suitable for drying. Stems can be air dried upside down for up to three weeks in a dark, well-ventilated area. The darkness is necessary to prevent the stems’ florets from turning brown.

Fun Facts:

• The genus name comes from the Greek word “ammos” meaning sand. This likely references the plant’s origins in the Nile delta and the Meditteranean, where it thrives in warm and dry (or semi-dry) areas. 

• Ammi majus (false Queen Anne’s lace) is often confused with its cousin, (the true) Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota)—and with due reason...they look almost identical! Although they are part of the same family, these two species are very different. The most notable differentiating factor between the two are their colors; Ammi flowers are pure white and they don’t possess Queen Anne’s lace’s dark central dot. Ammi is also typically more delicate and less weedy; in fact, many biennial species of Queen Anne’s lace have been listed as invasive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Of the six known species of the Ammi genus, the two species most cultivated for the cut flower trade are A. majus and A. visnaga. These are typically grown as annuals or biennials, and their leafy, flowering stems are used as cut flowers and garden ornamentals. The most widely known cultivar of A. majus is 'Green Mist', which as its name suggests, produces green flowers.

• Some Ammi flowers may produce a scent, which although faint, is said by many to be unpleasant.

• Who needs a tanning bed when you’ve got Ammi, nature’s bronzer? Historically, Ammi has been known for its pigment-producing properties. Its roots, which contain 8-methoxypsoralen, were commonly chewed by North Africans traveling along caravan routes to protect them from the sun’s UV rays. Vitiligo (a condition that causes loss of skin color in blotches) was also once remedied with Ammi seeds, which contain furanocoumarins that stimulate skin production. Today, Ammi seeds are widely produced in India for these furanocoumarins to treat vitiligo and psoriasis. However, when handling the plant, you should do so with caution! When in contact with the skin, its sap (which contains phototoxic compounds) may cause photosensitivity, dermatitis and blistering.

• The ground-up seeds of Ammi plants were once used in the production of contraceptives, along with other herbal medicines that were used to treat tooth discomfort, asthma, sleep apnea and chest pain.

• Given their origins in Egypt, Ammi was also used by ancient Egyptians in herbal tonics to treat urinary infections, which were common during the time period. Today, the plant’s dried stems are used as toothpicks and sold in Middle Eastern markets.

• Ammi is a member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family, and its common relatives include fennel, parsley and dill. For this reason, its leaves sometimes give off a carrot-like scent when they are crushed.

• Aside from its ornamental and medicinal uses, Ammi was also grown as a food source given its edible leaves. In India, it is commonly used as an aromatic spice, which is said to taste like thyme.

• When in season, Ammi flowers are usually seen growing wildly in open fields and alongside roads, or cultivated as an ornamental in home gardens and greenhouses. Its plants serve as prime attractors of butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects.

• In 2014, Ammi was awarded the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the U.K.’s Royal Horticultural Society.

• Ammi flowers are said to symbolize sanctuary and warmth.

• Given its airy, lacelike appeal and long vase life, Ammi has become a popular filler used in both fresh and dried floral designs. It makes a fantastic substitute for Queen Anne’s lace flowers, and similar to Gypsophila, it adds softness, great texture and fullness to garden-style arrangements and bridal bouquets. Ammi flowers can also be air dried for up to three weeks in a dark, well-ventilated area.