Scleranthus L.

9 species in Aust. (8 native, 1 naturalized); Qld, NSW, Vic., Tas., S.A.

Annual or perennial herb. Leaves opposite, linear to subulate, glabrous or hairy. Stipules absent. Flowers terminal or axillary. Sepals 4 or 5, connate into a tube, hardened at maturity, Petals absent. Styles 2. Ovary 1-locular. Nut membranous, enclosed within the calyx tube.