Sisymbrium irio L.

Spice Fruit detail Image 2 In the field 1 In the field 2

Family: CRUCIFERAE (BRASSICACEAE)

Genus: Sisymbrium

Catalan common name: Apagallums. Bufallums. Matallums. Ravenissa.

Spanish common name: Gebana. Ireos. Matacandil. Oruga leonina. Partesana. Rabanillo amarillo.

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

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

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

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

Characteristics: It is frequent in grasslands in disturbed zones, usually in urban environments. It can be characterised because it has a raceme at the top of the stem which grows as the flowers ripen. The open flowers at the top are tiny and have yellow petals; just above them we find the green fruits, these are long, thin, and erect, exceeding the flowers they are just above them. The leaves are tender, very jagged, and have a terminal lobule that is larger than the rest. It can coexist with other species of Sisymbrium, but the length of the green fruits gives it away. It flowers most of the year round, especially in winter and spring.