Vegetative key to the families >

Herbs with SWOLLEN NODES and opposite or rarely whorled leaves; leaves always simple with entire margins; the leaf bases often connate. Stipules mostly absent, sometimes membranous and connate Caryophyllaceae

Sepals connate

Styles 2. Fruit a 4-valved capsule or nut

Petals absent Scleranthus

Flowers in clusters. Calyx lobes 5, more than 1 mm long; stamens 5–10. Ovary ovoid in shape. Leaves crowded, 10–14 mm long, hairy at base. Annual herb with decumbent or ascending stems. Introd. from Europe and Africa. Fl. summer. Annual Knawel Scleranthus annuus