Herbs, annual, stellate, pubescent. Stems prostrate to ascending, branching from base. Leaves alternate or whorled; stipules absent. Inflorescences axillary, cymose; cymes dense, reduced. Flowers sessile or short pedicellate; sepals persistent, 5, basally connate, abaxially stellate-pubescent; petals absent (or 5–20); stamens (3–) 5 (–20), alternate with sepals, distinct or fascicled; pistils 3–5-locular; ovules 10–25 per locule; styles 1 (–5), terminal, erect, or stigmas sessile. Fruits capsular, 3–5-valved. Seeds: somewhat flattened laterally, asymmetrically reniform, smooth to tuberculate, funiculus develops into a long, slender strophiole. x = 9.

Distribution

North America, West Indies, Central America, South America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia.

Discussion

Species 6 (2 in the flora).

Several species of Glinus have medicinal value. Glinus oppositifolius has been used as a vegetable in Africa, India, and the Philippines, and to treat diarrhea, boils, bilious attacks, headache, and joint pain (H. M. Burkill 1985; K. R. Kirtikar and B. D. Basu 1935; A. K. Tripathi 1988). K. M. Alikutty and N. M. Aleyas (1978) presented evidence that G. oppositifolius is toxic to cattle, when fed in large quantities.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Glinus lotoides, Glinus radiatus

Key

1	Seeds smooth, highly glossy, 0.4-0.5 × 0.2-0.3 mm; sepal apex long-acuminate or attenuate	Glinus radiatus
1	Seeds papillate, somewhat glossy or dull, 0.4-0.6 × 0.3-0.4 mm; sepal apex rounded to acute or slightly mucronate	Glinus lotoides