Haloragis


Haloragis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Haloragaceae. Some species are known commonly as seaberry and most are native to the southern hemisphere. They are annual or perennial herbs to small shrubs, and many are terrestrial wetland plants.

Taxonomy

The genus Haloragis includes 29 accepted species:Haloragis aculeolata Benth.Haloragis acutangula F.Muell.Haloragis aspera Lindl.Haloragis digyna Labill.Haloragis dura OrchardHaloragis eichleri OrchardHaloragis erecta OkenHaloragis exalata F.Muell.Haloragis eyreana OrchardHaloragis foliosa Benth.Haloragis glauca Lindl.Haloragis gossei F.Muell.Haloragis hamata OrchardHaloragis heterophylla Brongn.Haloragis luminosa Wege & OrchardHaloragis maierae OrchardHaloragis masafuerana Skottsb.Haloragis masatierrana Skottsb.Haloragis milesiae Peter G.Wilson & MakinsonHaloragis myriocarpa OrchardHaloragis odontocarpa F.Muell.Haloragis platycarpa Benth.Haloragis prostrata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.Haloragis scoparia FenzlHaloragis serra Brongn.Haloragis stokesii F.Br.Haloragis stricta R.Br. ex Benth.Haloragis trigonocarpa F.Muell.Haloragis uncatipila Orchard
A number of species, previously placed here, have subsequently been placed in other related genera, including:Haloragis micrantha R.Br. ex Sieb. & Zucc.

Etymology

The name is derived from two Greek words, ἅλς - hals and ῥάξ - rax. This refers to the first discovered species being found on beaches and having globular fruit.

Distribution and habitat

Of the 28 species, 23 are endemic to Australia and the remainder to the South Pacific.

Cultivation

Some cultivars are valued as ornamentals, e.g. 'Wanganui Bronze', 'Wellington Bronze'.