Citation: Fritsch, Mitt. Naturw. Ver., Wien 5:97 (1907).

Synonymy: Gentiana maritima L., Mant. 1:55 (1767); Erythraea maritima (L.)Pers., Syn. Pl. 1:283 (1805).

Common name: Sea centaury.

Description:
Annual rarely more than 20 cm high, with a single quadrangular stem from the base and with a more or less branched terminal inflorescence, without a distinct basal rosette; leaves ovate, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 4-25 x 3-11 mm, gradually increasing in length below the inflorescence, acute to acuminate.

Inflorescence a corymb-like thyrse with 1-3 dichasia and sometimes ending in few-flowered monochasia; sepals connate to about one-third of their length, linear to subulate, 6-18 mm long, usually about two-thirds the length of the corolla tube, pointed; corolla slender, tubular, yellow; tube 8-18 mm long; lobes ovate to lanceolate, 2-6 mm long, acute; stamens with the filaments fused to most of the corolla tube; anthers twisted after the pollen is shed; ovary narrowly ellipsoid, abruptly tapering into the style which is shorter than the 2 stigmas.

Septicidal capsule releasing the seeds only at the apex.

Distribution:  S.Aust.: YP, SL, KI, SE.   Vic.   Native to southern and western Europe. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: Oct. — Dec.

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