About Lipandra polysperma (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch
Many-seeded goosefoot, Lipandra polysperma, is a non-aromatic, hairless annual herb that can reach up to 1 meter in height, though it often grows with a sprawling habit. Its stem is square in cross-section, and may be green or bright red. Leaves, and subsequently branches, are arranged alternately, though they are sometimes nearly opposite at the plant base. This species has no stipules. Its leaf petioles grow up to 2.5 centimeters long. The leaf blades are ovate-elliptic, measure 3 to 5 centimeters long, and usually have untoothed margins. Its inflorescences are made up of loose dichasia located in the axils of leaf-like bracts; sometimes the inflorescences form more tightly packed flower clusters arranged in a spike-like formation. The flowers are either bisexual or pistillate, with (4-)5 nearly free perianth segments, 1-3(-5) stamens, and an ovary with 2 stigmas. When the plant develops fruit, the perianth segments stay unchanged. The fruit has a membranous pericarp that is free from the seed. The seeds are oriented horizontally and have a compressed-globose shape. Their seed coat ranges from brown to blackish and bears wavy striations. Lipandra polysperma is native to most regions of Europe and temperate Asia, and is widely naturalized in other areas including North America.
