Scientific name: Dichondra repens J.R. and G. Forster
Common name: Kidney weedFamily: ConvolvulaceaeOrigin:Native of Australia. Habit:Small perennial herb with creeping stems and kidney shaped leaves, forming a ground cover. Habitat:This plant is a native but it can be considered a weed in tended areas. General description:Stems and leavesStems are slender, with soft short hairs, spreading horizontally with roots forming at the nodes. Leaves have petioles 0.8-5 cm long with round or kidney-shaped blades 0.4-2.5 cm in diameter with entire margins. Leaves are hairy, especially on the underside, the hairs lying close to the leaf surface. Flowers and fruitFlowers are small with 5 sepals 2 mm long and five slightly shorter yellow or white petals. Flower-bearing stems tend to be shorter than the petioles of the leaves. Distinguishing characteristics:Ground cover with kidney shaped leaves with entire margins and appressed hairs on the lower surface. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. |