Stilt-rooted or rhizomatous perennial undershrubs with sand-binding roots. Stems erect or occasionally spreading. Leaves sessile, alternate, linear, the base indurated and closely sheathing stem, persistent; sheath closely appressed to stem, persistent. Flowers actinomorphic, bisexual, sessile, terminal, solitary, surrounded by scarious bracts, scentless. Sepals and petals undifferentiated, united in a tube in lower half, the lobes spreading horizontally, chartaceous or thinly coriaceous, blue or purple, fading white, or brown with red or russet markings, variously pubescent outside. Stamens inserted at base of perianth lobes; anthers attached at base, linear, prominently exserted, yellow, usually turning red or brown with age, anther filaments sigmoidal to straight. Ovary 1-locular, superior; ovules 3, basally attached. Style slender, exserted, turned to one side, exceeding stamens; stigma simple. Fruit indehiscent (anthocarpous), 1-seeded, falling with perianth. Seed oblong, with a membranous testa.
Home