Sherardia L.

1 species naturalized Aust.; NSW, Vic., Tas., NT, S.A.

Sherardia arvensis L.

Small, annual herb with weak quadrangular stems. “Leaves” apparently in whorls of 6 (4–5), 3–7 mm long, mucronate-acute; the lower ones obovate; the upper ones lanceolate. Flowers 4–5 mm long, in terminal heads surrounded by an involucre of floral leaves. Corolla pale violet or pink; tube slender, longer than the lobes. Fruit dry, pubescent, indehiscent, 2-seeded, surmounted by the persistent calyx. Widespread. Weed of cultivation and waste places. Fl. spring–summer. Field Madder