Torilis arvensis (Hudson) Link.
Spreading Hedge Parsley
NOMENCLATURE
Torilis : to engrave, ref. to furrowing of fruits.
arvensis : from arvum: solum : cultivated fields.
PREVIOUS NAMES : T. infesta (L) Spregnel.
Keir Morse Photos (USA) Picture Link to Torilis arvensis
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
TYPE : erect annual. Th. HEIGHT : 5-40 (100)cm.
STEM : freely branched, spreading at a wide angle, solid, striate, terete, glabrous
below, closely appressed, deflex bristled & ridged above.
UMBELS : 1-2.5cm diam. Compound. 3-5 unequal rays 0.5-1.5cm, with appressed,
forward pointing hairs. Peduncle > than rays with closely appressed, deflexed hairs.
LEAVES : 1-2 pinnate. Lobes 3cm, coarsely serrate to pinnatifid, lanceolate in outline,
with appressed, forward-pointing bristles both surfaces. Petiole slender, with similar
bristles. Cotyledons tapered at base, no petiole.
BRACTS : absent or 1. Bracteoles several, linear to lanceolate, hispid, = pedicellate flowers.
FLOWERS : white or pinkish. Hermaphrodite. Sepals acute, persistent. Petals hispid
beneath, unequal, the outer radiating. Styles form a stylopodium. Fl. 7-8.
FRUIT : 4-6mm, oblong-ovoid, subterete. Commisure narrow. Both mericarps with slender ciliate
ridges and long, rough, tapering spines thickened near apex with a slender hook. Carpophore
present. Vittae solitary. Pedicels with a ring of hairs at the apex. Styles = stylopodium, patent
or recurved, with a few hairs near the base. Stigma capitate. 2n=12.
HABITAT : arable fields, meadows.
DISTRIBUTION : native?. S.E. England, much less frequent now.
W.C. & S. Europe. S.W. Asia.
BSBI Distribution Map for Torilis arvensis (UK)
EXTERNAL LINKS FOR Torilis arvensis
These links to trusted websites and institutions may provide in depth or additional information regards cultivation, chemistry, edibility, images etc. for the species. Links last updated Aug 2012.
Wikipedia (EU) Illinois Wildflowers (USA)
'Online Guide To Umbelliferae Of The British Isles' Compiled By J.M.Burton 2002.