Torilis nodosa

Τορίλις η πλεκτή

Etymology of Torilis nodosa: The genus's name "Torilis" was used by Adanson in 1763. It derives from Latin "torus", meaning "a round, swelling, elevation; protuberance". "Nodosa" is Latin and means "knotty", referring to the appearance of its fruits.

There are seven Torilis taxa in Cyprus.

Torilis nodosa exists up to an altitude of 300 metres but it is definitely absent from central mountainous Cyprus and northwestern Cyprus (and to all the rest of the areas higher than 300 metres). Its flowering period is between March and May.

How to identify Torilis nodosa:

Torilis nodosa is similar to pseudonodosa. Nodosa has its umbels distinctly pedunculate (up to 2 cm) and its fruits are homocarpous (identical appearance). Pseudonodosa has its umbels subsessile and its fruits are heterocarpous (not all fruits have the same appearance).