Description: Small, erect or decumbent, succulent, glabrous perennials.
Leaves opposite, succulent, triangular in cross section, often with pellucid glands that may be raised above the surface, the keels often finely toothed towards the tip; sessile, united at the base into persistent collars.
Flowers solitary or in threes; subtended by 2 leaves more fused at the base than the other leaves, forming a 2-lobed involucre partly enclosing the flowers and fruit, often almost sepaloid. Perianth tubular, lobes 4 or 5. Petaloid staminodes 20–80 in 1–3 rows. Stamens 20–150 in 1–3 rows; filaments white. Ovary inferior, 4- or 5-locular; styles usually 4.
Fruit succulent, indehiscent; seeds numerous.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 2 species, endemic Australia. Australia: southern arid areas of mainland, N.S.W., Vic., S.A., W.A.
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs & J. Highet Taxon concept:
One species in NSW: Sarcozona praecox |
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