Thymelaea passerina is an erect herbaceous annual plant that grows from 2.5-24 in. (6-61 cm) tall. The slender wiry stem can be woody and will often branch towards the top. T. passerina is native to Africa, tropical and temperate Asia and Europe.
Foliage
T. passerina has alternate leaves that are narrow and linear with an acute apex. The leaves have a leathery texture and are from 0.3-1.0 in. (8-25 mm) long.
Flowers
The greenish-yellow flowers have no petals and are tubular and from 0.08-0.12 in. (2-3 mm) long. Each flower has four sepals and 8 stamens held in two whorls of four. Two small bracts arise from a tuft of white hairs at the base of each flower.
Fruit
The fruit is a shiny black ovoid achene. The seeds are rounded and brown to black in color.
Ecological Threat
T. passerina grows aggressively; is unpalatable to livestock; and can be found in rangeland areas, disturbed sites and dry pastures.