Erect herb, 0.3–1 m high, stems striated, solid; roots with rounded tubers towards end. Basal leaves 2-pinnate, segments cuneate, lanceolate to ovate, 2–5 mm long, lobed; stem leaves 1–2-pinnate, segments cuneate, lanceolate to ovate, 1–3 cm long, usually entire. Umbels terminal, 2–5 cm diam.; peduncle 4–10 cm long; rays 6–15, 1–6 cm long; umbellules with 10–20 or more, crowded, almost sessile flowers; bracteoles 3–6, ovate, 2–3 mm long. Petals white, c. 1.2 mm long. Fruit cylindric, c. 3 mm long, strongly ribbed, appearing spined by the stiff persistent sepals and erect stigmas at apex. Flowers Nov.–Dec.
VRiv, GipP, CVU. Also naturalised SA. Native to central and western Europe. In Victoria known only from Shepparton State Forest (where common in 1980), near Wonthaggi where a few plants were noted in 1996, and a 2004 collection from St Georges Lake in Creswick.
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.
