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Uses: medicinal (limited/historic), perfumery
Parts Used: resin from stems
"The genus Opopanax belongs to the parsley family, Apiaceae, and has three species found from the Balkans to Iran. Confusingly, there is also a genus called
Oplopanax which is quite different and belongs to the Aralia family (Araliaceae).**
Opopanax chironium is a perennial with handsome, dark green, pinnate leaves. The leaflets characteristically overlap and have scalloped, wavy margins. In summer, branched stems over 5 feet tall are produced, bearing numerous umbels of tiny, bright yellow flowers. The stout stems yield a resin, which is used in perfumery and has been used medicinally.
Opopanax chironium thrives in good soil and sun. I don't know its hardiness rating but it has survived to at least
-7 degrees Celsius in my garden over the past four winters."
– Deni Bown,
Promising Plants Presentation, 2004
* Deni mulches annually with mushroom compost.
** Some authorities now believe Apiaceae is synonymous
with Araliaceae, although the nomenclature has not officially
changed.
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Image © Deni Bown
Text © 2005 The Herb Society of America
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