Tunica
(from tunica, a coat; in reference to the overlapping of the floral envelopes). ORD. Caryophylleae. A genus embracing about half-a-score species of hardy, annual or perennial herbs, natives of mostly Southern Europe and Western Asia. Flowers smaller than those of Dianthus, cymose-paniculate, glomerate, or capitate; calyx obtusely five-toothed; petals five, with elongated claws, and retuse or emarginately bifid blades; stamens ten. Leaves narrow. The under-mentioned species thrives in any light soil, and on old walls, ruins, &c. It is also adapted for planting on rockwork, and at the front of mixed borders. Propagated readily form seeds. T. Saxifraga (Saxifrage-like). fl., calyx campanulate, the teeth triangular-ovate; lamina of corolia pink, short, retuse or erose. July. l. scabrid, narrow-linear, acute. Stems numerous, ascending or diffuse, paniculate. Central and South Europe. Perennial.