Daucus decipiens
Common name
parsnip palm
Synonyms
Melanoselinum decipiens (Schrad. & J.C.Wendl.) Hoffm.
Family
Apiaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Conservation status
Not applicable
Similar taxa
Spreading crown of leaves and stout woody stem; stems up to 2m high and 4cm diameter; woody and leafless in lower parts with distinct leaf scars; stems have pith in the centre and are hollow in parts; flowers are numerous, white to purplish; fruit are dark brown 12-18mm long (Webb et al., 1988).
Flower colours
Violet/Purple, White
Life cycle
Long-lived seed bank - more than a year (Carol West, pers. comm.). Biennial or perennial (Webb et al., 1988).
Year naturalised
1969
Origin
Madeira (Portugal)
Etymology
daucus: An ancient Greek name
decipiens: Deceptive