SMYRNIUM PERFOLIATUM ssp. ROTUNDIFOLIUM

Family and Genus:- See- UMBELLIFERAE

Common Names:- Round-leaved alexanders

Homotypic Synonyms:- Smyrnium rotundifolium

Meaning:- Smyrnium (Gr) With the fragrance of myrrh.

Perfoliatum (L) The stem appearing to pass through the leaf blade.

Rotundifolium (L) Having rounded leaves.

General description:- Glabrous, monocarpic perennial with a napiform root,

Stem:-

1) 40-80 cm, erect, sparingly branched above, narrowly winged.

Leaves:-

1) Basal, 2- or 3-pinnate or -temate, with oval, dentate lobes.

2) Upper, cordate, untoothed or rarely denticulate, amplexicaul, cordate at the

base, bright yellowish-green.

Flowers:-

1) Umbels, rounded, with 5-12 rays, yellow.

2) Bracts, absent.

3) Styles, shorter than the stylopodium.

Fruit:-

1) 2-2·5 x 3-3·5 mm, brownish-black.

Key features:-

1) Upper leaves, entire, rarely shallowly denticulate.

4) Rays, 5-12.

Click here for a glossary of terms used

Habitat:- Seasonally damp places in gorges, scrub, olive groves and ruderal

habitats. 0-900(-1500) m.

Distribution:- Sardinia, Italy and Sicily eastwards, including Cyprus. Somewhat

scattered across Crete.

Flowering time:- Late Apr to late June.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton