Gomphocarpus fructicosus (L.) W.T.Aiton
Diagnostic description:
A shrubby perennial with stems 1 to 2m tall. Leaves generally opposite, sometimes in whorls of 3, linear-lanceolate, between 4 and 15 cm long. Flowers 12 to 14 mm across, in axillary umbels. Corolla with five ovate, white lobes 5 to 8 mm long, usually reflexed, and with a yellow crown formed by five erect, fleshy scales about 3 mm long. Fruit boat-shaped, very inflated and softly spiny, 4 to 6 cm long.
Distribution:
Local:Very rare in Gibraltar. Found as a casual on waste ground in scattered places.
Global: A native of South Africa, it is found naturalised throughout the Mediterranean region.
Ecology:
Flowers from May, June, July, August to September.
Habitat:
Grows on waste ground, damp places and around the littoral.