A low annual herb, the opposite leaves reduced to subulate scales, the mostly opposite branches erect-ascending, the very small yellow flowers alternate, very short-pedicelled or sessile along them in the axils of still smaller scales. Sepals 5, equal. Petals 5. Stamens 5-10. Styles 3, separate. Capsule elongated-conic, I-celled, much longer than the sepals; seeds striate and pitted. [Greek, a broom.]

A monotypic genus of eastern North America.

1. Sarothra Gentianoides L. Orange-Grass. Pine-Weed. False John's-Wort

Fig. 2902

Sarothra gentianoides L. Sp. Pl. 272. 1753. Hypericum Sarothra Michx. Fl. Bor. Am. 2: 79. 1803. Hypericum gentianoides B.S.P. Prel. Cat. N. Y. 9. 1888.

Erect, fastigiately branched, 4-20' high. Branches mainly opposite, filiform, erect, wiry; leaves minute, subulate, about 1" long, appressed; flowers nearly sessile, 1"-1 1/2" wide, open in sunlight; sepals linear, about equalling the petals and very much shorter than the conic-cylindric acute purple pod; seeds very small.

In sandy soil, Maine to Florida, west to Ontario, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas. June-Oct. Ground-pine. Nit-weed.