Spermolepis echinata (Nutt. ex DC.) A. Heller - Bristly Scaleseed
Family - Apiaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Fruits.
Flowering - April - June.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This little weedy species can be found in southern Alabama. The plant can be identified by its glabrous, divided leaves, minute white flowers, and hooked-bristle fruits. The divisions of the leaves are very thin and minutely mucronate at the apex.
The genus name Spermolepis derives from the Greek "sperm(o)" meaning "seed" and "lepi(s)" meaning "a scale" referring to the bristled or scurfy fruits.
The species epithet echinata derives from the Latin "echin" meaning "a hedgehog, a sea urchin" alluding to the bristly fruits.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Eufala National Wildlife Refuge, AL., 6-4-06.