Ceratocephala

a genus of annual herbs of the family Ranunculaceae. The radical leaves are tripartite with entire or two- or three-lobed segments. The pale yellow, pentamerous, solitary flowers rest on the stem apices. The fruit is an oblong multiple nut; the nutlets have a stiff, elongate, decurved or nearly straight rostellum. There are two species—C. testiculata (formerly C. orthoceras) and C. falcata— which are found in Eurasia and North Africa. The plants grow in the steppes, semideserts, and deserts of the USSR. Both species are shortlived, tiny plants; they are frequently found in masses on dry slopes, pastures, fields, and weedy areas. They are toxic and may be fatal to sheep if ingested. The fruits sometimes adhere to the wool of the sheep, causing damage to karakul sheep raising.