Ammi visnaga - Toothpick plant

Originally from Egypt, Ammi visnaga, also known as Visnaga daucoides, is more commonly referred to as Khella. It is a highly aromatic Mediterranean annual plant that forms an elevated and graceful clump, covered in large, round, and particularly architectural white umbels, resembling fine lace on a light foliage similar to that of fennel. They are highly visited by pollinators. It is a remarkably fragrant plant, highly useful in phytotherapy, and well-adapted to summer drought. Perfect for natural areas in dry soil, country-style flower beds, or in a simple garden, it is also an excellent cut flower.

Ammi visnaga belongs to the family of Umbellifers or Apiaceae, like carrots and celery. This annual plant is native to the Mediterranean region.  It is also found in large quantities in North Africa. This plant forms a clump that reaches 1m (3ft) in height, approximately 60cm (24in) in diameter, and shows rapid growth. It has a taproot. Its stems are branching, robust, furrowed at the top, and entirely covered in strongly dissected light green foliage. The leaves, similar to those of fennel, are hollowed out with small channels, laciniate, and highly aromatic. The flowering occurs from July to September-October, in the form of a curiously constructed white umbel, with a powerful and pleasant fragrance, green, herbaceous, slightly pungent, and slightly aniseed. The flat and white umbel becomes concave and more or less green when ripe. It consists of very dense umbellules (mini umbels) composed of numerous thick and connivent ray florets after flowering, which are inserted on a receptacle that widens into a disc when ripe. The flowers start off white and evolve into cream, acid green, and yellowish-green with age and fruiting. They produce abundant nectar, attracting numerous insects.

Known since ancient times for its numerous medicinal properties, this wild plant demonstrates great robustness and a strong personality, both visually and with its fragrance.   Plant it into country-style flower beds, alongside shrubs with summer flowering, in slightly wild areas of the garden, where it will require no particular care. It is one of those plants that grow on their own, like Damask nigellas, Cosmos, perennial flax, California poppies, Phacelia with tansy-like leaves, sainfoin, cornflowers, and many others. Alongside these, it is an ideal plant for filling a brand-new garden or hiding the damage caused by a harsh winter.