Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila L., Sp. Pl. 406-408 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Baby's breath
 Description

Annual to perennial herbs; hairs glandular or 0. Lvs opposite, exstipulate, linear-subulate to lanceolate to spathulate, often glaucous, often sub-fleshy; cauline lvs connate in pairs. Fls in cymes, panicles or capitula; bracts leaflike to subulate; epicalyx 0. Calyx bell-shaped or top-shaped, rarely cylindric, not ribbed, 5-veined, 5-toothed with broad scarious nerveless commissures between the veins. Petals 5, white to pink, tapered or narrowly clawed, entire or emarginate; coronal scales 0. Stamens 10. Styles 2. Fr. a globose to cylindric capsule dehiscing by 4 teeth; carpophore very short or 0. Seeds auriculate, compressed.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Gypsophila L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Exotic: Casual1
Total3
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.