Sharp Buttercup - introduced (*Ranunculus muricatus)

Other names: Rough-seeded Buttercup.

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: Scattered weed. It can invade native bushland, particularly where there is additional moisture. It may be locally abundant.

Identification:

• it has small yellow "buttercup" flowers
• the "seeds" at the centre of the flower have small spiny warts
• the seeds elongate to a beak which is about half the length of the seed
• it may be almost prostrate (but not scrambling through other vegetation) or erect
• the leaves are toothed.

Other species: There are several native and introduced buttercups. The shape and wartiness of the seeds, the toothed leaves, and the often more or less prostrate habit help identify this species.

Photos : Above: Sharp Buttercup. Turner St, Castlemaine. 1, 2: Flowers and leaves. 3: Flower and fruit.