Dianthus deltoides L.

Decumbent perennial. Flowering stems procumbent at base, erect above, 10–25–(30) cm tall; hairs dense, < 1 mm long, stiff; non-flowering stems present at flowering. Basal lvs soft, suberect, linear-oblong, obtuse, dark green to glaucous, with short hairs on margins and midrib, 10–20–(25) × 1–2 mm; cauline lvs erect, linear-acuminate, glaucous, with short hairs, becoming smaller above. Fls solitary or 2–(7) per stem; pedicels > calyx. Epicalyx scales 2–(4), broadly ovate, awned, c. 1/2 length of calyx. Calyx cylindric, 14–18 mm long, with short stiff hairs on surface; teeth lanceolate to triangular, acute, 3–4 mm long, margins very narrowly scarious. Petals white to deep pink, banded at base of limb, fringed, bearded. Carpophore c. 2 mm long; capsule c. 10 mm long. Seeds black, flattened, ovate, c. 1.5 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: (Oct.)–Dec.–Jan.–(Apr.); Fruiting: Dec.–Jan.–(Apr.)