Scorpiurus (skorpiurus)

[NL. (Linnæus, 1737), solitary or few on a leafle peduncle with beaked keel petals, and a cylindrical, furrowed, and circinately coiled pod, which is commonly warty or prickly and does not split open, but breaks acro into joints containing roundish seeds with remarkably twisted and elongated seed-leaves. There are about 6 species, natives especially of the Mediterranean region, extending from the Canary Islands into western Asia. They are stemle or decumbent herbs, with entire and simple leaves, unlike most of the family in this last respect, and with small yellow nodding flowers. They are curious but not ornamental plants; their rough coiled pods, called "caterpillars," are sometimes used to garnish dishes. The species have been named scorpion's - tail and caterpillar - plant.