Annual, pubescent, hairs simple or mixed with glandular hairs. Petiole up to 8 mm long, leaflets 5-10 mm long, 2-7 mm broad, obovate, rarely oblanceolate, pubescent on both surfaces, retuse to emarginate, toothed; stipules entire or toothed. Inflorescence a 2-6-flowered, peduncled raceme, peduncle generally longer than the petiole. Calyx 2-2.5 mm long, finely pubescent, teeth as long as the tube. Corolla up to 4 mm long. Fruit with 3-5 coils, spines variable, from short tubercles to long hooked spines, inserted slightly removed from the marginal border.

Fl.Per.: April-July.

Lectotype: ‘the illustration accompanying Medica echinata minima’ J. Bauhin & Cherler, Hist.Pl.Un.2:386.1651 (Heyn, l.c.).

Distribution: Kashmir, Pakistan; Europe; N.Africa and Cape, Asia (except the desert areas), introduced in North and South America (Heyn, l.c. 1963).