Manual of the New Zealand Flora.

1. Scleranthus, Linn

1. Scleranthus, Linn.

Small rigid usually densely tufted annual or perennial herbs. Leaves opposite, connate at the base, subulate, often serrulate; stipules wanting. Flowers small, green, axillary, solitary or 2 together, or in little cymes or fascicles. Perianth funnel-shaped or urceolate or turbinate, 4–5-toothed or-lobed. Stamens 1, 2, 5, or 10, inserted on the throat of the perianth; filaments subulate; anthers didymous. Ovary ovoid; styles 2, distinct; stigmas capitellate, Fruit a membranous utricle enclosed in the persistent and hardened perianth. Seed lenticular; testa smooth; embryo annular.

Species about 12, scattered through Europe, temperate and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australasia. The single New Zealand species is also found in Australia.