askelina

Askelina is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. It is a small genus, containing only two species: Askelina viridis and Askelina arvensis. The genus name Askelina is derived from the Greek word "askos," meaning "jar," referring to the shape of the fruit.

A. viridis, commonly known as the green askelina or green umbel, is a biennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a rosette of basal leaves in the first year and produces a tall, unbranched stem with a single umbel of white flowers in the second year. The plant is often found in meadows and pastures.

A. arvensis, commonly known as the field askelina or field umbel, is an annual plant that grows up to 50 cm in height. It has a rosette of basal leaves and produces a single umbel of white flowers on a short stem. The plant is often found in fields and waste places.

Both species have similar characteristics, including their white umbels of flowers and their preference for sunny, well-drained soils. They are both used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the small tortoiseshell butterfly. However, both species are considered weeds in many areas and are often controlled through herbicides or cultivation.