Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Sisyrinchium L., Sp. Pl. 954 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Blue-eyed grass; Scour weed
 Description

Tufted or shortly rhizomatous, grass-like, annual or perennial. Stems usually compressed, ± winged. Leaves linear, distichous, equitant, basal and cauline. Inflorescence of several subumbellate clusters of 2-many pedicellate flowers emerging successively from a usually 2-valved spathe. Flowers small, cream, blue or violet, rarely white, delicate and fugacious, closing at night, usually cup-shaped below, spreading above; lobes free almost to base, ± equal, often apiculate, outer wider than inner. Stamens inserted at base of perianth, filaments usually united in a cylindrical tube. Style-branches entire. Capsules globose, exserted from spathe-values on elongate filiform pedicels. Seeds numerous, globose, black, ± pitted.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Sisyrinchium L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised4
Total4
 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.