Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 222 (1753) subsp. maritima (L.)Thell., Fl. Adv. Montp. 189 (1912).

Synonymy: B. maritima L., Sp. Pl. edn 2:322 (1762); B. vulgaris L. var. maritima (L.)Moq., Chenop. Monogr. Enum. 15 (1840).

Common name: Beet.

Description:
Biennial herb with a slender tap root; stems decumbent; leaves rosetted and cauline, glossy, often tinged with red; lamina ovate, c. 5 cm long; petiole slender, half to equalling the length of the lamina.

Flowers in clusters of 3 or 4, green; perianth lobes narrow-oblong.

Fruiting perianths indurated, united in clusters and deciduous as a whole; pericarp hard.

	Beta vulgaris inflorescence, upper and lower leaves and fruits.
Image source: fig. 152 in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).

Published illustration: Harrison et al. (1969) The Oxford book of food plants, p. 171.

Distribution:  A coastal species.   N.S.W.; Vic.   Native to Europe. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: mainly Nov. — Feb.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: Cultivars derived from different subspecies of B. vulgaris are known as beetroot, sugarbeet, Swiss chard, etc.

Author: Not yet available