喜荫草 xi yin cao

Stems 7-18 cm tall. Scalelike leaves broadly ovate, ca. 2 mm, amplexicaul at base. Inflorescences 5-14 cm. Flowers bisexual and male. Pedicel 4-6 mm, decurved after anthesis; bracts lanceolate, ca. 2 mm. Perianth segments of bisexual flowers 6, apex acute to acuminate and crinite; stamens (3-)6; carpels ca. 20; styles short, lateral. Perianth segments of male flowers similar to bisexual ones; stamens 6; filaments short, united at base. Follicles 1.5-2 mm in diam. Seeds elliptic, 3-ribbed. Fl. summer.

Forests. S Hainan (Sanya) [Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka; Pacific islands (Solomon Islands)].