Verbascum thapsus L.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
none
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
common mullein, woolly mullein
Primary Disseminule Type
seed
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit a 2-chambered, stellate-pubescent, broad-ovoid capsule, 8–10 mm long, containing many seeds.
Seed oblong to trapezoidal or rectangular in outline, widest at the truncate apex and gradually tapered to a broad but usually slightly rounded base, cross-section terete, 0.6–1 mm long x 0.4–0.6 mm diameter. Surface brown with darker reticulations on top of wavy longitudinal grooves and ribs.
Hilum a slightly raised dark scar or obscured by small funicular remnant.
Similar Species
It is probably not possible to distinguish this species from Verbascum virgatum based on seed alone.
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI