Emex spinosa (L.) Campd.

Spice In the field

Family: POLYGONACEAE

Genus: Emex

Catalan common name: Bleda borda. Blet bord. Xufletes.

Spanish common name: Romaza espinosa.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): South Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitat: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones.

Characteristics: This herb with quite large, more or less triangular, leaves can be recognised by its fruits, which have three quite sharp spines. It is a perennial herb with a thick root shaped like a turnip. It lives in the grasslands of orchards and neglected places. It may begin to flower in the month of February.