Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link

Erect annual. Stems densely hairy above but glabrous or sparsely hairy near base, solid, striate, 20–60–(100) cm high, sometimes purple tinged; hairs deflexed. Basal lvs densely hairy above and below, 2-pinnate, petiolate; ultimate segments ovate to lanceolate, pinnatifid and serrate, 15–45 mm long, sessile or shortly petiolulate; stem lvs similar to basal, but 1-pinnate or pinnately 3-foliolate toward apex with less divided segments. Umbels 1–4–(5) cm diam., long-pedunculate, usually terminal; rays (2)–3–9, 5–20–(30) mm long; bracts 0–1, linear; bracteoles 5–6, linear. Fls few to numerous, white or tinged pink, c. 2 mm diam., irregular. Fr. ovoid, 3.5–4.5 mm long; all mericarps spinous; spines curved upward, thickened at tip.

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

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.