Corn Spurrey
Spergula arvensis

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. The plant grows up to 50 cm high. The stems are erect but often bend at the nodes. The leaves are narrow and somewhat fleshy. There is a long furrow on the lower side. This is covered with hairs. The leaves occur in rings. The flowers have fine white petals. The seeds are black and slightly flattened. The seed can stick to the hands when damp.

There are between 20 and 60 Spergularia species. There are 9 in Australia.

Where it is found

It grows in subtropical and warm temperate places. It often grows on acid soils. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil, Britain, Central Asia, Chile, China, East Africa, Europe, Falklands, Finland, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Nepal, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America, SW Asia, Sweden, Tasmania, Uruguay, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are used for bread flour. The oil is used in margarine and cheese.

A famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anamoka, Asperge, Da zhua cao, Esparguta, Khandidal, Kharika arxa, Maleza arvense, Muchmuchia, Sand Spurrey, Toadflax

Synonyms

Spergula linicola Boreau ex Nyman; Spergula maxima Weihe; Spergula sativa Boenninghausen; Spergula vulgaris Boenninghausen;