Perennial, moss-like cushions. Leaves cauline, densely distichous along branching stems. Hermaphrodite. Leaf-sheaths scarious, auricles absent, ligulate. Leaf-lamina terete to channelled, surface papillate. Inflorescence a terminal spike of 2–3 alternating convolute, appressed bracts. Secondary hyaline floral scales, absent. Flowers 1 or 2/spike, bisexual. Androecium, stamens 2. Gynoecium a collateral bilocular ovary; styles 2. Fruit a bilocular capsule, each locule containing 1 seed. Seed dehiscing longitudinally via a line of weakness (dorsal slit).
Moore & Edgar (1970) followed Eichler (1875) and Hamann (1962) in interpreting the reproductive structure of Gaimardia as a partial inflorescence composed of an aggregation of reduced male and female flowers (a pseudanthial hypothesis). However Sokoloff et al. (2009) provide compelling anatomical evidence of an euanthial interpretation, a perfect flower with a bilocular ovary and two stamens.
New Zealand, Tasmania (Australia), New Guinea, Tierra del Fuego and Falkland Islands.
Category | Number |
---|---|
Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 1 |
Total | 1 |