Scandix pecten-veneris L.

Spice Flower - fruit detail

Family: UMBELLIFERAE (APIACEAE)

Genus: Scandix

Catalan common name: Agulles. Agulles de pastor. Agullots. Filabarba. Forquilles. Pinta de Venus.

Spanish common name: Peine de pastor. Peine de Venus.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona.

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

General distribution (Phytogeography): Some regions

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

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

Characteristics: A small herb found in dry fields and along path-sides; it can be identified by its fruits which have the shape of a long beak (up to 8 cm) and which appear gathered in groups all of which are more or less erect. The flowers are snowy-white, since it is an Umbellifera they are gathered in umbels, the outer flowers have one petal which is longer than the others. The leaves are greatly divided. It begins to flower in February and during spring.