About Torilis nodosa (L.) Gaertn.
Torilis nodosa is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. It is commonly known by two common names: knotted hedgeparsley and short sock-destroyer. This plant is native to regions of Europe, particularly the Mediterranean Basin. It has been introduced to other areas including North America, where it is classified as an introduced species and a widespread common weed. It can grow in many different habitat types, and is especially common in disturbed areas. Torilis nodosa is an annual herb that grows a hairy stem reaching a maximum height of half a meter. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and each leaf is divided into several pairs of smooth-edged leaflets that are either lance-shaped or linear. The inflorescence is a dense compound umbel of flower clusters borne on very short rays, and it often looks just like a simple cluster. Each flower has five petals of unequal size, which are white with a pinkish or reddish tinge. Each fruit is greenish or pinkish, around 3 millimeters long, and covered in long prickles.
