Apium graveolens L.

Erect terrestrial biennial, not rooting at nodes. Stems hollow, grooved, striate, up to 80–(100) cm high. Basal lvs 1–2-pinnate, petiolate; ultimate segments deltate or rhombic, lobed and crenate or dentate near apex, 2–4 cm long, ± sessile; stem lvs similar to basal but often apetiolate and becoming 1-pinnate or 3-foliolate with elliptic-obovate, entire or lobed segments. Umbels 2–5 cm diam., compound, ± sessile and lf-opposed, and so appearing bracteate; rays 4–15; bracts and bracteoles 0. Fls numerous, greenish white, c. 1 mm diam. Fr. broadly ovoid, dark brown, 1.5–2 mm long; ribs light brown, filiform.

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

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.