Caucalis

Caucalis is a former genus of flowering plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), now generally considered synonymous with Torilis. Plants formerly classified in Caucalis are small, annual herbs native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are characterized by their bristly or spiny fruits, which aid in seed dispersal by attaching to animal fur.

The name Caucalis is derived from the Greek word for a type of wild carrot.

Species formerly assigned to Caucalis now belong to the genus Torilis, including:

• Torilis arvensis (Field Hedge-parsley, formerly Caucalis arvensis)
• Torilis japonica (Upright Hedge-parsley, formerly Caucalis japonica)

The reclassification of Caucalis into Torilis reflects advancements in molecular phylogenetics, which provide a more accurate understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the Apiaceae family. These studies indicated that Caucalis was not a distinct enough lineage to warrant its own genus, and its species are more closely related to other members of Torilis. Therefore, the use of Caucalis as a genus name is now largely obsolete in botanical literature.