Silphium (also known as laserwort or laser; Ancient Greek: σίλφιον, sílphion) is an unidentified plant that was used in classical antiquity as a seasoning, perfume, aphrodisiac, and medicine. [1][2] Ancient Greeks used a 'miracle' plant called Silphium, which was thought to have gone extinct 2,000 years ago, has now been rediscovered. Nearly 2000 years ago, the city of Cyrene in Northern Africa (modern day Libya) had one plant to thank for its status as one of the richest cities in the land.
It was known as silphium, and had almost countless uses. The stems were roasted, the roots eaten with vinegar. Some of these contraceptives or abortifacients were herbal remedies that were consumed as a drink, like silphium or pennyroyal, made into a mixture and used as a pessary, like honey, oil, and lead. Did the legendary Silphium truly go extinct?
silphium perfoliatum, Explore the historical record and the modern botanical struggle to verify its identity. Silphium, genus of tall perennial plants in the family Asteraceae, consisting of about 23 yellow-flowered species commonly called rosinweed, native to North America. Many species have rough leaves that may be opposite each other, alternate along the stem, or be grouped in whorls. Uncover the captivating mystery of silphium, the ancient Roman plant prized as a powerful contraceptive and aphrodisiac that vanished completely from the Earth. Silphium was a plant a member of the Apiaceae family, including parsley, carrots, and fennel.
silphium perfoliatum, Ancient descriptions suggest it resembled a giant fennel, with a thick, hollow stalk and celery-like leaves.
