This annual plant with a sub-Atlantic distribution is present in Piedmont, Lombardy, Tuscany, Lazio and Sardinia (of dubious occurence in Abruzzo, and since a long time no longer found in the Marche). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in periodically flooded sites, below the montane belt. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean temporary ponds of Sardinia, common in the intermediate belt. The genus name, that derives from the Latin 'illicere' (to fascinate, bewitch, seduce), seems rather incongruous for such an inconspicuous plant, the species name refers to the flowers, that are arranged in whorls in the axils of leaves. Flowering period: May to August.

Italian name(s): Arsinedda (Sicilia), Corrigiola verticillata (Italia), Illecebro (Italia).