Scientific name: Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.

Synonym : Mollugo tetraphyllum L.

Common name: Four-leaf allseed, Allseed

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Origin:

Native of southern Europe.

Habit:

Annual herb with weak, spreading, branched stems, up to 15 cm tall.

Habitat:

Common weed of disturbed sites and sandy littoral areas.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems lie along the ground turning upwards at the tips. Leaves are paired or arranged in whorls with four leaves at each node. Leaves are oval with the broader end coming to a point at the tip and narrower end tapering to the petiole (leaf stalk) which is 1-6 mm long. Leaf blades are hairless, 0.3-1.1 cm × 0.25-0.8 cm.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are small with five green 1.5-2.5 mm long sepals and shorter petals with a notch at the apex. They are numerous and borne on compact, branched inflorescences at the tips of the stems.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Small annual herb with weak sprawling stems and opposite or whorled leaves (in groups of four). Numerous small flowers are produced at the tips of the branched stems

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 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.