Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Caryophyllales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Caryophyllaceae
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Stellaria L., Sp. Pl. 421 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Kohukohu
 Description

Annual or perennial herbs. Hairs usually sparse and eglandular, or 0. Lvs opposite, exstipulate, sessile or petiolate, glabrous or ciliate, linear, lanceolate, ovate or orbicular. Infl. a dichasium or reduced to 1–2 fls; bracts scarious to herbaceous; epicalyx 0. Sepals 5, free, not veined or (1)–3-veined. Petals white, divided almost to base, rarely 0. Stamens 10 or fewer. Styles 3. Fr. a capsule, usually ovoid, sometimes globose or cylindric, dehiscing by 6 teeth; carpophore 0. Seeds usually 4–10, ovoid, flattened, tuberculate or papillate, not winged.

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

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Stellaria L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)3
Indigenous (Non-endemic)2
Exotic: Fully Naturalised4
Exotic: Casual2
Total11
 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.