Scleranthus L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1964, Flora Europaea - Volume 1. Lycopodiaceae to Platanaceae, Cambridge University Press : 148

13. Scleranthus L. 1

Annual, biennial or perennial herbs; stems diffusely branched, hairy on two sides. Leaves connate at base. Inflorescence of more or less dense terminal and axillary cymose clusters. Sepals usually 5, inserted on the rim of the urceolate perigynous zone (the whole being called the ‘fru it’ in the following account); petals absent; stamens up to 10; styles 2. Fruit an indéhiscent l(-2)-seeded nutlet enclosed by the hardened wall of the perigynous zone and the persistent sepals, which are shed with it. Seeds lenticular, smooth.

Measurements of the ‘fru it’ are from the apex of the sepal to the base of the perigynous zone and vary little between flowering and fruiting.

Literature: W. Rössler, Agronomia Lusitana 15: 97-138 (1953); Österr. Bot. Zeitschr. 102: 30-72 (1955).

1 Apex of sepals curved inwards and forming a hook

3. uncinatus 1 Apex of sepals patent, erect or slightly incurved, but not hooked

2 Sepals obtuse, scarious margin 0-3-0-5 mm 1. perennis 2 Sepals ± acute, scarious margin not more than 0-1 mm

2. annuus