96. Polycnemum L.

Polycnemum L., Sp. Pl.: 35 (1753)

Annual or perennial herbs with clustered leaves and procumbent branches. Perianth lobes i equal, membranous, filiform to lanceolate, acuminate; stamens (l-)2-3(-5); ovary oval, compressed; stigmas filiform, divided nearly down to the base; seed flattened; embryo annular, radicle pointing upward; fruiting ovary enlarging in its lower part. About seven to eight spp., Europe, N Africa, Asia.