When I first saw the plant in the first 3-4 images, I thought to myself this must be a Solanaceae! After finding other younger specimens, I came to the conclusion that it belongs to the Apiaceae family. The bottom part of the stem has a diameter of 2 1/2 inches. Unfortunately there are no flowers or seeds to help. All of these specimens are growing close to water. Appreciate help!
I do not know if Angelica has an aromatic smell. These specimens are without any noticable odour. Does Angelica sp. have a deep channel along the stem and branches? During the month of July, ( S. Italy average temperture 30+ c), the plants should have already flowered and left the drying out fruits!
abgardeneer http://www.biowin.at/all/Pflanzen/bilder/Apiales/Angelica sylvestris/Angelica sylvestris.htm, go to this link. This is for sp. sylvestris which is the only sp. of Angelica growing in S. Italy. It would seem from the indication of the red arrows, that there is a deep furrow on stem and branches.
This furrow is on the leaf peduncle, not on the stem. The stem is round and smooth as the photos on that site show.
Hi Andrey, Yes quite right, the furrow is visible on the peduncles. Obviously, I failed to photograph the furrow along the stem. Possibly I will be passing the area tomorrow, and should it be the case I will make more photos. see the photo of base of the stem.
This is not a stem, but rather a large leaf with long petiole. The short stem is seen on your previous photo, just about 5 cm above the root. I am afraid, you have to wait to see the flowers to make a positive ID. The inflorescence structure (bracts and bracteoles) and especially seed shape are major key features for identifying Apiaceae species. My preliminary guess is also that this is a vegetative form of Angelica sylvestris.
