Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Caryophyllales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Caryophyllaceae
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Scleranthus L., Sp. Pl. 406 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Knawel; Kohukohu; Scleranthus
 Description

Annual, biennial or perennial herbs. Lvs opposite, exstipulate, linear to subulate, connate by narrowly scarious bases. Fls solitary or paired or clustered, on long axillary peduncles or not pedunculate; bracts small, scarious or leaflike; epicalyx 0. Sepals 4–5, inserted on rim of flask-shaped perigynous zone. Petals 0. Stamens 1, 2 or 5–10, inserted on rim of perigynous zone. Styles 2. Fr. a 1-seeded indehiscent nutlet, with perigynous zone and calyx adhering to fr. and falling with it when ripe. Seeds ovoid or ellipsoid, smooth, not winged.

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

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Scleranthus L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)1
Indigenous (Non-endemic)2
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Total5
 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.