Citation: Hoffsgg. & Link, Fl. Portug. 1:332 (1813-20).

Derivation: Greek aster, a star; linon, flax.

Synonymy: Not Applicable

Common name: None

Description:
Annual with wiry quadrangular stems; leaves opposite, sessile.

Flowers borne singly in the axils of upper leaves, star-shaped; calyx with 5 lobes slightly ridged dorsally and with a terminal acumen; corolla cup-shaped, with 5 short lobes; stamens 5, opposite the petals; staminodes absent; ovary superior.

Capsule splitting along the sutures of 5 carpels, each valve being opposite and shorter than the calyx lobes.

Distribution:  2 species from the Mediterranean but with extensions to Persia and Abyssinia.

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available