Description: Annuals or biennials with colourless sap.
Leaves deeply pinnatisect, basal rosette present when young, cauline leaves smaller, alternate or opposite when subtending a flower; petiolate.
Inflorescence cymose. Sepals 2, fused into a pointed calyptra, falling when the petals expand. Petals 4, readily shed. Stamens numerous. Ovary 1-locular; carpels 4; stigmas 4.
Capsule cylindrical, separating into 2 valves from the base; seeds numerous.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 12 species (sometimes reported up to 100), North America. Australia: 1 species (naturalised).
Text by S.W.L. Jacobs
Taxon concept: Australian Plant Census (accessed April 2017)
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