Dichondra micrantha
Urb.
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Alice Shanks, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alice Shanks
Summary
Source: WikipediaDichondra micrantha, the Asian ponysfoot or lawnleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to Texas, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and it has been introduced worldwide. A prostrate perennial reaching 10 cm (4 in), it prefers wetter soils. In the past it was recommended as a grass substitute in lawns due to its easy maintenance requirements, but proved vulnerable to flea beetles.
Description
A low-growing perennial reaching just 0.1 m tall but spreading 1 m wide. Blooms March to May and is hermaphroditic. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade to full sun with preference for consistently moist soil.
Edible Uses
No edible uses are known for this plant.
Medicinal Uses
The whole plant is diuretic, febrifuge, and styptic, and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the mildest areas of the country. This species has at times mistakenly been called Dichondra repens, a plant that is confined to New Zealand and Australia.
Propagation
Propagated by seed, though no further details are available.
Other Uses
No other uses are known for this plant.
Other Information
It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Xian ke cao
References (1)
- Li, D. et al, 2017, Ethnobotanical survey of herbal tea plants from the traditional markets in Chaoshan, China. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205 (2017) 195-206
