Arenaria tetraquetra, L.

8. A. tetraquetra L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 423 (1753) View Cited Treatment .

Perennial, usually forming dense cushions 5-25 cm in diameter, not showing growth rings, subglabrous; stems more or less densely covered with imbricate leaves. Leaves 1-4 mm, ovate, obtuse, recurved, glabrous, ciliate at base. Flowers 4-merous or 5-merous, solitary and terminal, completely exserted from the foliage, on slightly (up to c. 1 cm) protruding stems; bracts ovate-lanceolate. Sepals 4-6 mm, lanceolate, gradually narrowed to obtuse apex, with prominent raised veins; petals slightly exceeding or up to 1 | times as long as sepals. Dry places on mountains. • C. & E. Pyrenees and mountains o f E. & S.E. Spain. G a Hs. Plants from the Pyrenees usually have 4-merous flowers. Plants from E. and S. Spain usually have 5-merous flowers and are often more densely caespitose ( var. granatensis Boiss. ).