Nigella damascena L.

Stem (5)–20–50 cm tall, branching above. Segments of rosette lvs linear, those of cauline lvs filiform. Involucre present, of 5 finely dissected lvs, twice as broad as the fl. Fls 2–3 cm diam. Sepals in several whorls, blue, ovate, acute, clawed, the innermost sometimes 3-fid. Petals usually 0. Styles 5. Capsule glabrous, ovoid, swollen, 15–30 × 10–20 mm, 10-locular but only 5 locules fertile; styles 15–25 mm long at fruiting. Seeds black, c. 2 mm long, transversely ridged.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–Dec.; Fruiting: Dec.–Mar.