Molluginaceae

Sprawling, mat-forming, non-woody (herbaceous), smooth, annuals with branching stems and a central root. Leaves deciduous, in whorls of 3-8, widest above middle, narrowly spoon-shaped, with a short stalk; leaf edges smooth.

Flowers small, pale green or white, inconspicuous, 2-5 in cymes or umbels, unstalked or on short stalks in leaf axils. Each flower producing both pollen and seeds. Petals none.Sepals 5, separate, persistent; the upper surface white, the lower green. Stamens 3 or 5, stalks fused at base. Carpels 3-5, fused to form 1 pistil with a 3 chambered compound ovary; ovary located above point of attachment of other flower parts (superior); styles separate, 3-5. Fruit a thin-walled egg-shaped capsule with many seeds.