Latin spargo—to scatter, in reference to the scattering of the seeds.

Annual or occasionally perennial herbs. Stems erect ot spreading, branching at the base. Leaves linear, blunt, in clusters around the joints. Flowers 5-parted, sepals free with papery margins. Petals entire, white. Stamens 5-10. Styles 5. Fruit a capsule with 5 teeth.

Stipules conspicuous; capsule with 3 teeth cf. Spergularia.

4 species from Europe; 1 species from N Patagonia.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Caryophyllaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.