Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Caryophyllales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Genus
Gypsophila L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila australis (Schltdl.) A.Gray, U.S. Explor. Exped., Phan. 112 (1854)
Vernacular Name(s):
Clammy gypsophila
 Description

Annual, with slender to ± stout taproot. Flowering stems erect, densely glandular-viscid, sparsely branched, 2–10–(15) cm tall. Lvs linear-subulate, subacute, glandular-viscid, green to reddish, (2.5)–7–15 × 0.5–1 mm; basal lvs in a tufted rosette. Infl. a monochasial or dichasial cyme with 5–10–(20) fls. Bracts leaflike, not scarious. Calyx cylindric to narrowly bell-shaped, glandular-viscid, 4–5 mm long, divided to c. 1/4 way; teeth triangular, subacute to acute with broad scarious margins. Petals white or pink, slightly > calyx, emarginate. Styles included, incurving. Capsule cylindric, c. = calyx. Seeds 0.7 × 0.5 mm, finely warty.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.–(May); Fruiting: Nov.–Mar.–(May)

 Bibliography
Barkoudah, Y.I. 1962: A revision of Gypsophila, Bolanthus, Ankyropetalum and Phryna. Wentia 9: 1–203.
Gray, A. 1854: United States Exploring Expedition. During the years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842. Under the Command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. vol. XV. Botany. Phanerogamia by Asa Gray with a Folia Atlas of 100 Plates. Part 1. Philadelphia.