Class
Family
Genus
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Moenchia erecta (L.) Gaertn.
Vernacular Name(s):
Erect chickweed
Description
Glabrous herb. Stems (1)–3-many, ascending to erect, (5)–8–15 cm tall. Lvs linear-lanceolate, acute, glaucous, 10–25 × 1.5–3 mm; stem lvs distant, opposite. Bracts similar to lvs, smaller. Pedicels erect, 1–2 cm long at flowering, 2.5–6 cm long at fruiting. Sepals 4, narrow-lanceolate, acute, 5–7 × 1–2 mm; margin scarious. Petals 4, white, entire, c. ⅔ length of sepals. Stamens 4, 2 mm long. Styles 4, 0.5 mm long, recurved. Capsule cylindric, 5–7 mm long, dehiscing by 8 erect teeth. Seeds pale brown, 0.5 mm long.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
Phenology
Flowering: Oct.–Nov.; Fruiting: Oct.–Jan.
