Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 224 (1753).

Synonymy: Not Applicable

Common name: None

Description:
Annual or perennial herbs with erect, prostrate or ascending stems and opposite leaves.

Flowers small, bisexual, in short dense sessile terminal or axillary spikes; bracts and bracteoles smaller or larger than the perianth; perianth-segments 5, acute, scarious, white; stamens united in a tube at the base, 5 fertile stamens alternating with a tooth-like process; anthers small, 1-celled; styles very short, with 2 subulate non-capitate stigmas.

Fruit indehiscent, ovoid; pericarp membranous; seed vertical.

Distribution:  About 100 species, mainly in America. About 19 Australian species.

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available