Trailing stems, branching from a central base; leaves opposite, leaves and stems hairy; flower clusters solitary, 2 of the petal-like white appendages in each cluster longer, male flowers per cluster number about 15.
Sprawling annual; flower clusters (cyathia) scattered, solitary, petal-like white appendages conspicuous, 2 appendages longer, 15 male flowers; leaves oblong, toothed, pointed, asymmetrical bases; fruit capsules often hiding underneath foliage, hairy.
Habitat
Low hills and plains. Open floodplain in cobble and sand.
Flower Characteristics
Flower clusters (cyathia) mostly scattered and solitary, 4 glands, 4 conspicuous petal-like, white appendages, usually with 2 of the appendages much longer than the others, about 15 male flowers per cluster.Â
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Oblong, base asymmetric, margins toothed, tips pointed, surfaces may be hairy, 3-veined from base, mid-vein can be conspicuous; stipules (leaf-like appendages at leaf base) sometimes divided into 3 to 4 thread-like segments, usually hairy, stemmed.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Hairy.
White seeds with 5 to 6 deep grooves at right angles to the length of the seed.