Class
Family
Genus
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Spergula arvensis L.
Synonymy:
- ≡ Spergula arvensis var. vulgaris (Boenn.) Rohrb. in Mart. (1872)
- = Spergula vulgaris Boenn.
Vernacular Name(s):
Corn spurrey; spurrey
Description
Annual herb, (5)–15–30–(60) cm tall. Stems and lvs sparsely to densely covered in glandular hairs. Lvs linear, fleshy, channelled beneath, (5)–10–25–(40) × 0.5 mm; stipules broadly ovate to triangular, scarious, glandular-ciliate, 1–2 mm long. Dichasium lax; peduncle usually = stem internodes; bracts small, scarious. Sepals ovate, glandular, (3)–4–5–(6) mm long; margins scarious. Petals white, c. = sepals. Stamens 5–10. Styles 5. Capsule ovoid, smooth, straw yellow or pale brown, 5-valved, 5–6 mm long, > sepals. Seeds 1 mm diam., biconvex, smooth or papillate, keeled or very narrowly winged, almost black when ripe.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
Phenology
Flowering: (Jul.)–Sep.–May–(Jun.); Fruiting: (Jul.)–Sep.–May–(Jun.)
Bibliography
New, J.K. 1961: Biological flora of the British Isles. Spergula arvensis L. (S. sativa Boenn., S. vulgaris Boenn.). Journal of Ecology 49: 205–215.
Tutin, T.G.; Heywood, V.H.; Burges, N.A.; Moore, D.M.; Valentine, D.H.; Walters, S.M.; Webb, D.A. (ed.) 1964–1993: Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press.
