This annual species with a mainly western, broadly Mediterranean distribution, is present in Umbria, Lazio, Sardinia and Sicily (the presence in Tuscany is doubtful). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in rather moist habitats, sometimes along paths, on muddy soils, from sea level to approximately 600 m. This characteristic species of Mediterranean temporary ponds, in Sardinia is common, especially in the central belt of the ponds; vegetative growth occurs during flooding, flowering in the early phase of desiccation. The genus name is the diminutive of 'exacum', a plant mentioned by Pliny which probably corresponds to the genus Centaurium; the species name, that in Latin means ‘small’, refers to the small size of the plant. Flowering period: May to August.

Italian name(s): Cicendia minore (Italia).