Spergularia rubra (L.) J. Presl. & C. Presl.

Spergularia species are annual or perennial herbs, sometimes with a woody caudex. Stem suberect, decumbent or procument, simple or branched distally, slightly angular or terete, roots long taproot and stout. Leaves simple, opposite decussate, found in clusters, linear, margin entire, apex acuminate, usually fleshy or succulent, 1 veined, petiole sessile, stipules 2 per node, pale colored, lanceolate, margins scarious, apex acuminate. Inflorescence in cymes, terminal or axillary. Flowers bisexual, rarely unisexual, pedicel slender, erect, short, reflexed, drooping in fruit, bracts usually paired, or single, leaf-like, margins scarious, sepals 5, free, lanceolate, whitish green, margins scarious, pubescent outside, petals 5, free, lanceolate, white, pink, margin entire, apex acute. Stamens 1-10, inserted from rim of hypanthium, filaments distinct, filiform. Ovary superior, unilocular, styles 3, stigmas 3. Fruit capsule, ovoid-globose, dehiscing with 3 valves, carpophores absent. Seeds many, reniform or circular, reddish brown to black, compressed laterally, finely papillate or smooth, marginal wings usually present.

Spergularia species flowers are complete, bisexual, i.e., with functional male (androecium) and female (gynoecium), including stamens, carpels and ovary. Pollination is entomophilous i.e., by insects, or cleistogamy i.e., by self or allogamy i.e., by cross pollination. Flowering/Fruiting: February-May/April-September.

Seeds may be dispersed by autochory i.e., self dispersal, anemochory i.e., wind dispersal, zoochory i.e., dispersal by birds or animals, anthropochory i.e., dispersal by humans.

Annual, biennial or short lived perennial herbs, about 5-25 cm tall, with a woody caudex. Stem diffuse, decumbent or procument, branched distally, slightly angular or terete, woody taproot, long and stout. Leaves simple, opposite decussate, found in clusters, linear, about 4-15 x 0.5-2 mm across, margin entire, apex acuminate, somewhat fleshy or succulent, 1 veined, petiole sessile, stipules 2 per node, shiny white, lanceolate, about 3.5-5 mm long, margins scarious, apex acuminate. Inflorescence in cymes, terminal or axillary. Flowers bisexual, rarely unisexual, pedicel slender, erect, short, reflexed, drooping in fruit, bracts usually paired, or single, leaf-like, margins scarious, sepals 5, free, lanceolate, whitish green, margins scarious, glandular pubescent outside, about 3-4 mm long, petals 5, free, lanceolate-ovate, white, pink, margin entire, apex acute, slightly shorter than sepals. Stamens 5-10, inserted from rim of hypanthium, filaments distinct, filiform. Ovary superior, unilocular, styles 3, stigmas 3. Fruit capsule, ovoid-globose, about 3.5-5 mm long, or almost as long as sepals, dehiscing with 3 valves, carpophores absent. Seeds many, reniform or circular, with a submarginal groove, about 0.5 mm across, reddish brown to black, plump, finely papillate or smooth, marginal wings usually present.

Spergularia species are susceptible to various insect pests, virus, and fungi, affecting leaves, fruits and roots.

Weed in cultivated places and hilly areas, altitude up to 2500 m.

Not evaluated (IUCN).