Bassia
General description:
Of more than 90 species, Bassia All. is represented by 5 native species in Saudi Arabia. Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J Scott. (= Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader - the Summer Cypress or Belvedere- is a cultivated summer ornamental.
Diagnostic description:
Annual or woody-based perennial, usually sparsely to densely hairy herbs. Leaves alternate, subsessile to sessile, linear, entire. Flowers in axillary clusters or short spikes, unisexual and bisexual. Perianth-segments 5, connate to above the middle, usually developing a spine or a small wing at about the middle of each segment at fruiting or without appendages, inflexed apically. Stamens usually 5. Style short; stigmas 2 - 3, usually long exserted. Pericarp membranous. Seeds horizontal or vertical; embryo annular.