Daucus carota L. subsp. maximus Ball
Diagnostic description:
A rough hairy annual or biennial, to 1 m tall. Leaves pubescent, 2-3 pinnatisect, lobes lanceolate. All the flowers are white except the central one which is purple, and arranged in compound umbels of 10 to 30 primary rays, 10 to 20 (-30) cm across. Rays converge in fruit, making the flower-head look like a bird’s nest. Seeds 1.5 to 3 mm long, covered with spines.
Distribution:
Local: Very common and widespread throughout the lower parts of the Rock, especially along the East Side and in the Europa Point area. Grows in coastal areas and waste ground.
Global: Found throughout Europe. The familiar and edible carrot is another subspecies.
Ecology:
Flowers from (March) April, May to June (July).