Silene chalcedonica

Species category

Flower, Weed

Common name

maltesecross

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Circularly wedged

Size

  • Length 0.9–1 mm 
  • Width 1.1–1.3 mm 
  • Thickness 0.7–0.9 mm 

Color

Gray

Texture

Densely tuberculateTuberculate:
Having small pimple-like protuberances.

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is deeply inserted in indentation of margin with lateral pads which are somewhat lower than the margin line.

Identification notes

Tubercles arranged in circular rows following the margin line.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet, Silene spp.

Nomenclature

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Valid name

Silene chalcedonica (L.) E.H.L. Krause

Synonyms

Lychnis chalcedonica L.

 Silene chalcedonica.  True seeds with a deeply inserted hilum.
Silene chalcedonica. True seeds with a deeply inserted hilum.