Ammi majus L. (Bishop’s Weed): In Vitro Culture and the Production of Coumarin Compounds

Abstract

Ammi majus L. (Bishop's weed) (Fig. 1) is a subtropical species belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is a widely distributed species in the Mediterranean region, from the Canary Islands to Iran. Its range covers North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia) and all of southern Europe. The species also occurs on other continents únder similar climatic conditions: in Argentina, southern United States, and less commonly in Australia and New Zealand (Hegi 1906--1931; Tutin et al. 1968; Hoppe 1975; Nowinski 1980).