"Even if one just tastes it, at once arouses a humour throughout the body and has a very healthy aroma” - Pedanius Dioscorides, around year 70 BC

Silphium (probably of the genus Ferula) was a plant that grew in the area of Cyrene, present day Libya, and was widely renowned as a spice, medicinal herb and perfume ingredient throughout the empires of the classical antiquity. It was praised by Greek philosophers and writers, as well as Roman emperors and cookbook authors.

There were many attempts to cultivate Silphium, but they inevitably failed. It would only grow wild in a limited area of the north African coast. This, in combination with its qualities as seasoning and medicine made Silphium the most valuable spice in the world, outshining both saffron and cinnamon. The demand for Silphium eventually became so overwhelming that it was harvested to extinction, and the taste and smell of the once greatest spice in the world were lost in time.

Stora Skuggan's rendition of this historical plant is created by researching surviving assumed relatives of Silphium, using aromachemicals (the molecular building blocks of scents) to create an accord that they feel represents what descriptions remains. This is set against a background of ancient incense, woods and leather.

Fragrance Notes:

Top: Silphium Accord, Cistus

Middle: Cinnamon, Tobacco, Geranium, Black Pepper, Ginger, Clove

Base: Frankincense, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Leather

Please Note: All full sized bottles of niche fragrance priced $95 or over will receive a complimentary sample of the same fragrance. Use this “Fragrance Insurance” for a few days before opening the full size bottle, as we are not able to accept returns on fragrances that have been opened or used. If you decide you don’t love the fragrance after using the Fragrance Insurance sample, you’re welcome to return your unopened and unused full-size fragrance within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.