Spergularia media (L.) C.Presl

Taprooted perennial herb. Stems decumbent to ascending, (5)–10–25–(50) cm long, with glandular hairs above. Lvs not usually fascicled, fleshy, linear, obtuse to mucronate, (5)–10–25–(50) × 1 mm, glabrous or with glandular hairs. Stipules pale, not very silvery, connate c. 1/2 of length and forming a short sheath (older stipules often split apart), triangular, acute, 2–3.5 × 2–3 mm; apex often folded back. Infl. a lax monochasium or unequal dichasium, few- to many-flowered. Pedicels (5)–10–18–(30) mm long, with glandular hairs. Sepals obtuse to subacute, 5–7 mm long, with glandular hairs; margins scarious. Petals purplish pink to white, usually < sepals. Stamens 7–10. Capsule usually > sepals. Seeds circular, very dark brown, smooth, 0.7–0.8 mm long, with a broad membranous finely toothed wing up to 0.4 mm wide, or rarely not winged.

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

Flowering: (Jul.)–Nov.–Mar.–(May); Fruiting: (Aug.)–Oct.–May.