This biannual plant with a Mediterranean distribution is present, with two subspecies, in all regions of Central and Southern Italy, in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia; the subspecies rotundifolium is known from the Marche, Sardinia, Lazio, Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. It grows in open deciduous or evergreen woods and uncultivated shady places, from sea level to the lower montane belt. The species is found sporadically at the outer edge of the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in shaded areas in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name comes from the Greek 'smyrna' (myrrh) in reference to the aroma of the seeds, the species name refers to the leaves that clasp the stem with the base. Flowering period: January to May.

Italian name(s): Coriandru (Sardegna), Corinoli arrotondato (Italia), Faluciu (Sicilia, Modica), Pitrusinu sarvaggiu (Sicilia, Avola), Preiderina (Sardegna), Saluciu (Sicilia, Modica), Smirnio a foglie tonde (Italia).