Ammi major, is a large, white headed, umbelliferous plant, which at first sight appears to be vey similar to Daucus carota subspecies maximus, but it differs in the form of the leaves and the fruits.

It is thought to have its origins in Egypt, along the banks of the Nile. Its scientific genus name ammi derives from the Greek word for sand.

Historically it was recognised that the plant contained an ingredient which stimulated skin pigmentation and the seeds were chewed by travellers crossing the desserts of North Africa.