Rome | The ancient Appian Way, one of the most iconic and fascinating roads in Rome, is much more than a mere historical route: it is also a place where wild nature flourishes right next to monuments that tell thousands of years of history. Today, I invite you to join us on a Sunday walk, among cyclists, horseback riders, and the wonders of green, discovering wild plants that not only enrich this landscape but also have surprising properties.
Our walk begins at the Villa of Maxentius, a site that, with its timeless beauty, offers a perfect backdrop for my meeting with Wateki Taliana Tobert, a passionate botanical guide who will accompany us on this green exploration. Wateki will help us recognize the wild plants that grow spontaneously along the road, revealing hidden secrets in this natural paradise located in the heart of Rome.
Wild Plants on the Appian Way: A Heritage to Discover
During our walk, numerous plants capture our attention, many of which are edible and have healing properties. Here are some of the ones we encountered:
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – A plant used for heavy menstruation. Hemostatic and vasoconstrictive. Healing – used as an infusion or mother tincture.
Borage (Borago officinalis) – Borage oil is a true elixir of well-being and beauty for the skin, providing strong antioxidant, nourishing, emollient, regenerating, and soothing properties. The leaves can be eaten cooked.
Apulian Lace (Tordylium apulum) – Used as an aromatic in cooking and pastry.
White Campion (Silene alba) – This plant is dedicated to the Moon goddess and is pollinated by nocturnal butterflies. Its leaves are edible when cooked before flowering.
Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum spp) – Toxic but with beautiful flowers.
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) – A plant used in homeopathy and beekeeping.
Cleavers (Galium aparine) – Antispasmodic, astringent, vulnerary, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and diaphoretic; useful for skin conditions and painful manifestations, especially of nervous origin. It primarily acts on the lymphatic system.
Membranous Nettle (Urtica membranacea) – A plant used as both food and medicine in many nations worldwide.
Musky Stork’s Bill (Erodium moschatum) – Named for the shape of its fruits, which resemble a heron’s beak; the plant is characterized by a musky aroma.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – Its main properties include liver protection, detoxification, antioxidant effects, digestion aid, blood pressure elevation, and mild antispasmodic and anti-hemorrhagic actions.
Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) – A poisonous plant with caustic latex. Folk medicine suggests it for treating sciatica, arthritis, pleurisy, and warts. A resilient, omnipresent, and easily recognizable plant, known for its white sap, which can cause skin irritation. Toxic if ingested.
Bird’s Eye (Veronica persica) – This plant is often mistaken for “Forget-Me-Not”; it is edible and medicinal.
Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) – A plant with flat, fleshy leaves and yellow flowers, traditionally eaten battered and fried.
Autumn Daisy (Bellis sylvestris) – Similar to the common daisy but much taller, with larger and more showy flowers; found only in certain parks in Rome.
Wild Celery or Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) – In ancient times, Romans consumed it in salads with young leaves and shoots, both cooked and raw. It has a slightly bitter taste with stimulating and digestive properties. Its seeds have antispasmodic properties, while the plant’s juice can be used as a disinfectant for wounds.
A Walk Between History and Nature
Our journey continues, blending the beauty of the natural landscape with the wonders of ancient history. Along the ancient Appian Way, we can admire monuments that tell stories from a past over 2000 years old, while stopping to observe the rich biodiversity this road continues to offer. The connection between nature and history is extraordinary: walking here is not only a botanical exploration but also a dive into the beating heart of ancient Rome.
If you find yourself in Rome and want to discover these wonders, Wateki offers botanical walks that guide you in discovering the wild and edible plants that grow in Rome’s parks and countryside. You can book your tour directly on her Facebook profile (https://www.facebook.com/navigandonelverde), where you can also contact her via WhatsApp.
Enjoy the video of this extraordinary walk on the Appian Way and discover the beauty of the wild plants that enrich our natural heritage. 🌿
I am Igor Wolf, and here I share my passion for travel and exploring different cultures around the world. Every place has a story to tell.