Flora of North America species comparison

sometimes prostrate and stolon- or rhizomelike with scaly leaves, 7–20(–30) cm;

above-ground stem not densely leafy.

numerous from base, erect or prostrate, branched, ribbed, not jointed, not armed, not fleshy.

of main stems clasping at base, leaves of main stem sometimes connate, arched-spreading;

blade linear, terete or subterete, at least in distal 1/2, 5–20(–30) × 0.7–1.5 mm, apex sharply acute or apiculate, sometimes retuse.

opposite (rarely alternate), connate, clasping at base, sessile, succulent;

blade linear or broadly ovate, margins entire, apex acute or apiculate.

solitary, sessile flowers, or if 2–3-flowered, additional flowers short-pedicelled.

axillary, flowers solitary or in 2–3-flowered clusters, bibracteate.

perianth segments erect, pinkish to yellowish brown, 1-veined, ovate, 2–3.3 mm;

stamens included;

filaments shortly connate basally;

style longer than stigmatic branches.

bisexual, with 1 or 2 bractlets ± equaling perianth length;

perianth deeply 5[–7]-parted, segments strongly imbricate, chartaceous;

stamens 5;

stigmas 2.

brown, ca 1.2 mm.

vertical, lenticular;

seed coat black, shiny;

embryo annular, perisperm copious.

concealed by persistent calyx.

structures: fruit a utricle;

pericarp free from seed, membranous, indehiscent.

= 9.

= 18.