Anthriscus caucalis M.Bieb.

Erect annual. Stems ± glabrous, hollow, striate, 15–70 cm high, sometimes tinged purple toward base. Basal lvs moderately to densely hairy below and on petiole, glabrous above, 2–3-pinnate; ultimate segments ovate, pinnatisect, 5–20 mm long, sessile or shortly petiolate; stem lvs similar to basal but reduced, 1–3-pinnate and shortly petiolate. Umbels 2–5 cm diam.; rays 2–5, c. 1–2 cm long; bracts 0–1, linear to triangular; bracteoles 3–5, ovate-acuminate. Fls 2–6, white, 1–2 mm diam. Fr. ovoid, c. 3 mm long, covered with curved spines and tapering to a smooth beak c. 1/4-⅓ length of ovuliferous part; base of fr. at pedicel apex with a ring of hairs.

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

Flowering: Sep.–Jan.