15-70 cm tall, branched. Roots 1-2 cm in diameter. Leaves 2-3-pinnatisect; segments filiform; lower leaves petiolate; upper sessile. Involucre of 1-5 linear bracts or lacking. Rays 8-20, 1-6 cm long, unequal. Involucel of 2-5 narrowly linear bractlets. Pedicels 3-4 times longer than the flowers. Petals white, 1 mm long. Fruit pedicels 5-10 mm long, thin. Fruit oblong, 3-4 mm long, dark brown; ridges prominent; stylopodium flattened; styles reflexed; furrows 1-vittate; commissure 2-vittate; vittae large. Inner seed face concave.

Type: Iran, Aucher-Eloy 4999(K).

Distribution: North Africa, South Europe, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, W. Pakistan.

A common plant in the dry arid regions of Gilgit, Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Hazara, Frontier Province and Baluchistan. The fruits are aromatic and are highly valued as a spice. The plants from Ziarat, Baluchistan grow in the juniper zone and the fruits have a different smell but morphologically these plants are similar to those found in the other parts of the country.