Dianthus barbatus L.

Tufted perennial. Flowering stems erect, glabrous, 15–30–(60) cm tall; non-flowering stems usually present at flowering. Basal lvs soft, spreading, oblanceolate, acute or subacute, bright green, glabrous except for short coarse cilia c. 0.1 mm long on margin, 2–10 × 1–2 cm; cauline lvs similar, erecto- patent, becoming smaller above. Fls in clusters of 15–30 or more; pedicels < calyx. Epicalyx scales 4, ovate, awned, c. = calyx. Calyx cylindric, not narrowed at apex, glabrous, 15–20 mm long; teeth narrow-triangular, acuminate, 4–6 mm long; margins ciliate. Petals white, pink or red, often patterned, shortly dentate, bearded. Carpophore 3–4 mm long; capsule 10–15 mm long. Seeds ovate, black, c. 2.5 mm long.

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

Flowering: Nov.–Jan.–(Feb.); Fruiting: Nov.–Jan.–(Feb.)