Description: Perennial herbs.
Leaves pinnate.
Flowers bisexual and/or unisexual; in dense terminal spikes or heads, with 2 or 3 bracteoles below each flower. Hypanthium cup-shaped. Sepals 4. Epicalyx and petals absent. Stamens 4 or numerous, rarely 2. Carpels mostly 1 or 2.
Fruit of 1 or 2 achenes enclosed in the hardened hypanthium.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 26 species, northern temperate regions. Australia: 3 species (naturalised), Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas., S.A.
Text by G. J. Harden & A. N. Rodd Taxon concept:
One species in NSW: Sanguisorba minor |
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