Spermacoce brachystema R.Br. ex Benth. APNI* Synonyms: Borreria brachystema (R.Br. ex Benth.) Valeton APNI*
Description: Erect or spreading annual herb to c. 60 cm high; stems scabrous to hirsute or glabrous.
Leaves opposite, linear-lanceolate, 2–4.5 cm long, 2–7 mm wide, apex acute to apiculate, margins recurved to revolute, lamina scabrous to hirsute, ± sessile; stipular sheaths to 2 mm long, distinctly fimbriate.
Flowers in dense terminal and axillary clusters, subtended by bracts and leaves. Calyx lobes subulate, 1.5–2.5 mm long. Corolla blue or white, 2–2.5 mm long, pubescent inside on throat, glabrous to papillose outside. Stamens inserted towards base of tube.
Capsule obovoid, c. 2 mm long, dehiscent almost to the base.
Flowering: late spring–autumn.
Distribution and occurrence: Grows on dry rocky hillsides in sclerophyll forest; not common, north from Kempsey district.
NSW subdivisions: NC, NT
Other Australian states: Qld W.A. N.T.
Text by Contributors listed under genus headings Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 3 (1992)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data ***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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