Bristly, erect or procumbent annual to 60 cm high; stems much-branched, rigid, striate. Leaf-lamina c. ovate, 2.5–8 cm long, 2–3-pinnate; leaflets ovate-oblong with linear lobes; petiole often c. equal to lamina, base-sheathing and scarious. Umbels leaf-opposed, subglobose; peduncle to 8 mm long; bracts absent; rays 3–5, to c. 0.5 mm long; bracteoles linear, to c. 2 mm long, acute; pedicels c. 1 mm long. Petals white; stamens pink. Fruit ovoid, 2.5–4 mm long; umbels with fruits of 2 types, the inner tuberculate, the outer with at least one mericarp long-bristly or spinose. Flowers spring and summer.
Wim, GleP, VVP, GipP, EGL, HSF. Also naturalised SA, Qld, NSW, Tas. Native to Europe. Widely naturalised in disturbed areas such as pastures and roadsides.
Source:
Duretto, M.F. (1999). Apiaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 256–258. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
