Description: Annual herbs or perennial shrubs.
Leaves opposite, fused, sessile.
Inflorescence a thyrse but the leaf-like bracts subtending each flower make them appear solitary and terminal. Perianth segments 4, often fused in the lower third. Stamens 4–numerous, either evenly distributed around the ovary or in 4 bundles alternating with the perianth segments. Ovary often 4-ribbed; carpels 4; stigmas filiform, sessile.
Fruit a capsule with 4 valves that may split on opening; seeds numerous, variously ornamented.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 14 spp., endemic Aust., mainland drier regions, Qld, N.S.W., N.T., S.A., W.A.
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs & J. Highet
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Stamens 4–8; ephemeral herb | Gunniopsis septifraga |
| Stamens 30 or more; ephemerals or perennials | 2 |
| 2 | Perennial shrub; leaves linear, more or less terete; stamens in 4 bundles; perianth greenish white | Gunniopsis quadrifida |
| Annual or ephemeral herb; leaves oblong to oblanceolate, flattened; stamens in a continuous ring; perianth yellow
Back to 1 | Gunniopsis papillata |
|
