Perennials or annuals, taprooted. Stems glabrous or sparsely scabrous along ridges. Cymes: bracts absent. Pedicels absent; bracteoles present. Flowers: calyx urceolate, lobes lanceolate; corolla white; stamens: filaments glabrous; stigma capitate. Seeds: wings absent. x = 10, 11.

Distribution

c, se United States, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, introduced in Pacific Islands, Australia.

Discussion

Species 1.

Polypremum is sometimes confused with Loeflingia and Scleranthus of the Caryophyllaceae; the opposite, linear-acuminate leaves and axillary flowers are suggestive of those taxa. The relatively small, but conspicuous, white petals (absent or at most rudimentary in Loeflingia and Scleranthus) and the two-lobed capsule (three-valved capsule in Loeflingia, utricle in Scleranthus) distinguish Polypremum.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Polypremum procumbens