Frankenia laevis, L.

5. F. laevis L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 331 (1753) View Cited Treatment

(F. intermedia auch, non DC.).

Perennial; stems up to 40 cm, procumbent, much-branched, mat-forming, sparsely or densely puberulent with hairs up to 0-1 (-0-2) mm. Leaves 2-5 mm, glabrous or subglabrous above, puberulent beneath, sometimes covered by a white crust; margins revolute. Flowers solitary or in small clusters, throughout the upper parts of the main stems and branches, not confined to terminal corymbiform clusters. Calyx 3^4(-5) mm, subglabrous, or puberulent, with hairs up to 0-2 mm in the lower part. Petals 4-6 mm, purplish or whitish. Maritime sands and shingle. W. Europe, northwards to S. England, and extending eastwards to S.E. Italy. Az BI Br Co Ga Hs It Lu Sa Si.