Citation: C. Presl, Fl. Sicula 161 (1826).

Synonymy: Arenaria media L., Sp. Pl. edn 2:606 (1762); A. marginata DC. in Lam. & DC., Fl. Franc. 5:793 (1805); S. marginata (DC.)Kittel, Taschenb. Fl. Duetschl. edn 2:1003 (1844).

Common name: Coast sand-spurrey.

Description:
Robust perennial or biennial with a stout tap root, glabrous throughout or glandular-hairy on the inflorescence; stems usually many, 5-40 cm high, prostrate to ascending; leaves 1-7 cm long, c. 2 mm wide, fleshy, linear, obtuse or acute, usually glabrous; stipules c. 4 mm long, c. 2.5 mm wide, broadly triangular, connate at the base, white, shining.

Inflorescence loose, dichasial; pedicels 0.5-2 cm long, often reflexed when mature; bracts leaf-like, much smaller than the leaves; sepals 4-7 mm long, 3-4 mm wide, lanceolate to oblongovate, with scarious margins; petals about as long as the sepals or shorter, white, pink or violet; stamens 6-10; styles 3, sometimes recurved.

Capsule c. 8 mm long, ovoid, sometimes to 50% longer than the calyx; seeds c. 1.5 mm diam. (incl. wing), compressed, orbicular, surrounded by a striate membranous wing or not, brownish when young, black at maturity.

Published illustration: Cochrane et al. (1968) Flowers and plants of Victoria, fig. 196.

Distribution:  S.Aust.: EA, EP, NL, MU, YP, KI, SE.   Vic.; Tas.   New Zealand; native to Eurasia. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: throughout the year.

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

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available