This annual plant with a Mediterranean-Turanian distribution is present in all regions of Italy except in the Valle d'Aosta. It grows in uncultivated sites and in waste places, along the streets and on rubble, on rather dry primitive soils, usually on limestone, below the montane belt. The species is sporadic along the edges of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genues name is of uncertain etymology, it could result from the merging of Tordylium and Caucalis, two other genera of the Apiacee family; the species name refers to the sharply contracted umbels. Flowering period: March to August.

Italian name(s): Cientu ruppa (Sicilia, Modica), Curduneddu di S. Franciscu (Sicilia), Erba pateca (Liguria, Mignanego), Erva di San Mirceriu (Sicilia), Lappolina (Toscana, Val di Chiana), Lappolina nodosa (Italia), Torilis nodosa (Italia).