Spergula and Spergularia -Spurreys

Spergula and Spergularia are related genuses separated by the number of styles. The species listed are best split by habitat, the size and shape of the seeds and whether the leaves are flattened or round. The length of the awns at the tip is only of use on young shoots.

Spergula arvensis Corn Spurrey. Erect to ascending stem, swollen at or above nodes so that the leaves look whorled. Opposite linear leaves, furrowed on lower side, blunt ended. Stigmas 5, white petals, entire ±as long as sepals. Whole plant glandular-hairy. Sandy or cultivated soil.

Two varieties can be determined from the seeds. Var. sativa has smooth seeds that look like black flying saucers, usually less hairy. Var. arvensis has prominent papillae, densely glandular plant. Var. sativa appears to be commoner.

Spergularia media Greater Sea-Spurrey ± woody base to stem, (woody stem below and very hair-glandular stem think of S. rupicola). Glabrous ± hairy-glandular inflorescence. Flowers 10-12mm across, pinkish and white at base, stamens up to 10. Sepals 4 - 6mm slightly shorter than petals. Capsule 7 - 9mm. Seeds ±have a circum-equatorial wing 0.7-1mm excluding the wing. Salt marshes. (Not in 77, no pictures)

Spergularia marina Lesser Sea-spurrey Stem not woody. Leaves cylindrical, fleshy, awns <0.2mm or absent. Hairy-glandular inflorescence and down the stem. Flowers 5 - 8mm across. Sepals 2.5 - 4mm, ±longer than petals. Seeds ±winged 0.6-0.8mm (excluding the wing). Saline habits or roadside.

Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey Hairy-glandular inflorescence and down the stem. Some young leaves may have awns on leaves > 0.2mm. Flowers, pink <8 mm across. Sepals 3 - 4mm, ±longer than petals. Pedicels much longer than capsules, (S. bocconei has pedicels shorter than capsules and upper leaves much reduced). Seeds not winged <0.6mm.

Acid soils, sand or gravel, sunny habitat including moorland tracks.

Poland and Stace Aug25