Spergularia media, (L.) C. Presi

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 : 155

6. S. media (L.) C. Presi , FI. Sic. 161 (1826)

( S. marginata Kittel ).

Perennial; stems 5-40 cm, glabrous throughout or glandular-hairy in the inflorescence. Leaves mucronate; stipules broadly triangular, not acuminate. Sepals 4-6 mm; petals white or pink, equalling or somewhat exceeding the sepals; stamens 10 (rarely 7-9). Capsule 7-9 mm, much exceeding the calyx. Seeds 0-7-1 mm (excluding wing), dark brown, smooth or tuberculate, usually winged; margin of wing entire or only slightly divided. 2« = 18, 36. Seashores, salt-marshes, and saline areas inland. Coasts of Europe (except the north-east) and inland saline areas. All except Al Az Fa Fe He Is Rs (N, B) Sb.

Populations of this species with completely unwinged seeds occur in Britain, Ireland, France and probably elsewhere, and have been given varietal status by a number of authors.