Flora of North America species comparison

to 4 m, wiry, smooth, branches planate;

cladophylls in fascicles of (5–)8–20 per node, filiform, 4–10 × 0.5 mm, ± rigid, with single vein.

annual, densely branched distally;

branches finely dissected, ascending to perpendicular, unarmed;

cladophylls in clusters of (2–)4–15(–25) per node, filiform, straight or curved, 1–3 cm.

membranous, 1–2 mm;

blade forming short spine with reflexed apex, base hardened.

scalelike, 3–4 mm;

blade lanceolate, base hardened.

terminally umbellate, 1–4-flowered.

in axillary racemes, 1–3-flowered.

bisexual, nodding;

perianth spreading, campanulate;

tepals white, 3–4 × 1–1.5 mm;

pedicel 1–3 mm, jointed at or just above base.

some unisexual;

perianth campanulate, yellow or yellowish green;

tepals connate 1–2 mm, greenish white, 3–8 × 1–2 mm;

pedicel 8–12 mm, jointed at or above middle.

purplish black, 4–5 mm.

red, 6–10 mm.

1–3.

2–4.

, woody, scrambling or climbing to 5 m;

roots fibrous.

= 20.

= 20, 40.