This species with a mainly western Mediterranean-montane distribution is present in Piedmont (Apennines), Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Sardinia. It grows in rocky habitats on acidic sandy soils, sometimes on serpentine, from 1200 to 2200 m. The species sporadically appears in the outer belt of the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in contact with rocky outcrops. The genus name is derived from Sesamum (sesame) and from the Greek 'eidos' (appearance) and therefore it means 'similar to sesame'; the species name refers to the inflorescence with widely spaced flowers. Flowering period: May to August.

Italian name(s): Reseda interrotta (Italia).