Torilis japonica (Houtt.) DC.

Erect annual. Stems densely hairy above and sparsely to moderately hairy near base, solid, striate, 40–120–(200) cm high, sometimes purple tinged; hairs deflexed. Basal lvs moderately to densely hairy above and below, 1–2-pinnate, petiolate; utlimate segments ovate to lanceolate, pinnatifid and serrate, 10–40–(80) 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 2–5 cm diam., long-pedunculate, usually terminal; rays (2)–6–11, 10–20 mm long; bracts (2)–4–6, linear; bracteoles 4–7, linear. Fls few to numerous, pinkish or purplish white, 1–3 mm diam., irregular. Fr. ovoid, 3–4 mm long; all mericarps spinous; spines curved upward, hooked and pointed at tip.

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

Flowering: Oct.–Apr.