Variable annual or perennial herb with thin to thickened taproots. Leaves divided into ovate-lanceolate or linear lobes. Flower clusters closing to become nest-like in fruit; summer. Fruit with hooked spines.

Garden origin

This is grown as var. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcangeli, the edible carrot with a thickened orange taproot. Available commercially with taproots of various sizes, shapes, flavours and shades of orange-red. Names listed in 1999 included 'All Seasons', 'Balin', 'Caramba', 'Cello King', 'Chantenay Red Cored', 'Dazzler', 'King West', 'Lancelot', 'Majestic Red', 'Manchester Table', 'Merida', 'Orbit', 'Red', 'Red Brigade', 'Red Count', 'Red Hot', 'Red Imp', 'Red Hot Orientale', 'Red Hot Pellet', 'Red Ned', 'Red Prince', 'Red Sabre', 'Royal Chantenay', 'Strut', 'Sunset', 'Tip Top', 'Tom Thumb', 'Topweight', 'Torch', 'Trophy', 'Western' and 'Western Red'.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Apiaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.