GIANT FENNEL – Ferula communis

In the Prometheus myth, the fire that he stole was carried in a hollow fennel stalk, and given to men. Giant Fennel stalks, which can be five metres tall, are filled with a dry white pith like a wick, and were still used in the 20th century in parts of Greece to transport fire(Grant). Schoolmasters once used this to whip children (Ferula means a cane used to punish slaves and children). Loudon said they were used because “they made more noise than harm”) (Coats).