Holosteum umbellatum L.

Stems 1–6–(10), erect, glabrous or glandular, 5–15–(20) cm tall. Basal lvs narrow-oblanceolate to narrow-spathulate, subacute at apex, cuneate at base, 10–25 × 2–5 mm, glabrous or sparsely ciliate. Stem lvs distant, opposite, ovate, obovate or spathulate, glabrous or ciliate, 5–15 × 2–5 mm. Bracts crowded, ovate, green or purplish with wide scarious margins, 1–1.5 × 0.5 mm. Pedicels glabrous, recurved at flowering, erect at fruiting, (5)–10–20 mm long. Sepals narrow-ovate, obtuse; margins scarious, 3–5 × 1–2 mm. Petals white, slightly > sepals. Stamens usually 3, slightly < sepals. Styles 3, c. 1.5 mm long. Capsule broadly cylindric, or ellipsoid, 4–5–(6) mm long, dehiscing by 6 recurved teeth. Seeds pale brown, about 1 mm long.

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

Flowering: Sep.–Oct.; Fruiting: Sep.–Oct.