This species with a southern Mediterranean distribution is present, with two subspecies, in Tuscany, Lazio, in all regions of Southern Italy and in the Islands. It grows in dry abandoned fields, from sea level to about 1400 m. The species is sporadic along the edges of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. Since ancient times this plant was used in traditional medicine: in Algeria it was used as a painkiller, even if it is deadly for the camels; the Greek colony of Cyrene was exporting a medicinal plant known as 'Silphion', used as a purgative and emetic; although its exact identity remains controversial, some believe it may have been a Thapsia. The plant contains various substances that make it poisonous to livestock and humans, some of which, however, have been shown to possess interesting anticancer properties. The genus name, of ancient usage, probably derives from 'Thapsos', the Greek name of the Sicilian city of Magnisi in the province of Siracusa, in the surroundings of which the plant is abundant also today; the species name refers to the Gargano Peninsula, from which the species was originally described. Flowering period: May to July.

Italian name(s): Eruledda (Sardegna), Ferlazza (Calabria), Ferluju (Calabria), Feruleda (Sardegna), Feruledda (Sardegna, Nuoro), Feruledda casina (Sardegna, Nuoro), Feurra pitica (Sardegna), Feurredda (Sardegna), Finocchiastro (Calabria), Firazzolu (Sicilia, Palermo), Firrastrina (Sicilia, Modica), Firrastrina comune (Italia), Fiurredda (Sardegna, Cagliari), Fraudda (Sardegna, Quarto S. Elena), Panace asclepio (antichi), Scova de forru (Sardegna), Tapsia (Toscana), Tapsia del Gargano (Italia), Tapsia garganica (Italia), Tassu (Sicilia), Tassu per tassari (Sicilia), Turbit di Puglia (Calabria).