Thapsia (plant)

Thapsia garganica (Bauer)

Thapsia nitida

Thapsia villosa - 06052010

Thapsia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. Commonly known as deadly carrots, these plants are native to the Mediterranean region. The genus is known for its toxic properties and has been used historically in traditional medicine.

Description

Thapsia plants are herbaceous perennials that can grow up to 2 meters in height. They have large, pinnate leaves and produce yellow, umbel-shaped flowers. The fruits are schizocarps, which split into two parts when mature.

Species

The genus Thapsia includes several species, some of which are:

• Thapsia garganica
• Thapsia villosa
• Thapsia transtagana

Distribution and Habitat

Thapsia species are primarily found in the Mediterranean Basin, including countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. They typically grow in dry, rocky soils and are often found in coastal areas and open woodlands.

Toxicity

Thapsia plants contain toxic compounds known as thapsigargins, which can cause severe skin irritation and other health issues if ingested. These compounds have been studied for their potential use in cancer treatment due to their ability to inhibit certain cellular processes.

Uses

Historically, Thapsia has been used in traditional medicine for its purported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to its toxicity, its use is not recommended without proper medical supervision.

Related Pages

• Apiaceae
• Mediterranean Basin
• Traditional medicine
• Cancer treatment