About Spergularia macrotheca (Hornem. ex Cham. & Schltdl.) Heynh.
Spergularia macrotheca is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known by the common name sticky sandspurry. It is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to Baja California. It grows in many types of moist coastal and inland habitats, most often on alkaline and saline substrates. Habitats it can be found in include marshes, alkali flats, beaches, meadows, seeps, and vernal pools. This species is a perennial herb that grows a narrow stem up to 40 centimeters long, with a woody, thickened base and a taproot. Individuals may grow either erect or prostrate across the ground. The entire plant is covered in sticky glandular hairs, with a particularly dense concentration in the inflorescence. Stems are lined with fleshy linear leaves, which are sometimes tipped with spines. Each leaf is accompanied by a triangular stipule that can reach up to one centimeter in length. Flowers grow in clusters at the end of stems, as well as in leaf axils. The small flowers have five pointed sepals and five oval petals that range in color from white to lavender-pink. The fruit produced is a capsule that holds tiny, reddish brown winged seeds.
