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Dichondra repens
Dichondra repens
Dichondra repens
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Dichondra repens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Dichondra
Species:
D. repens
Binomial name
Dichondra repens
Synonyms[1]

Steripha reniformis Sol. ex Gaertn.

Dichondra repens, commonly known as kidney weed,[2] Mercury Bay weed,[3] tom thumb,[4] or yilibili in the Dharawal language,[5] is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae and is native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Indian Ocean islands, Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues.[1] It is a perennial, herb with kidney-shaped to round leaves and small, greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers.

Description

[edit]

Dichondra repens is a perennial herb with a creeping habit, forming roots at the nodes. The leaves are kidney-shaped to circular, mostly 5–25 mm (0.20–0.98 in) long and 5–30 mm (0.20–1.18 in) wide on a petiole 10–50 mm (0.39–1.97 in) long. The base of the leaf is heart-shaped and its apex round or slightly notched. Both surfaces of the leaves are covered with soft, greyish hairs. The flowers are borne singly on a pedicel usually 5–60 mm (0.20–2.36 in) long, the sepals joined at the base with lobes 2.5–4 mm (0.098–0.157 in) long. The petals are pale greenish-yellow and joined at the base, forming a short tube with lobes about the same length as the sepal lobes. Flowering occurs throughout the year with a peak in spring and summer, more profusely from September to February with a peak in November. The fruit is a hairy, two-lobed capsule.[5][6][7]

Taxonomy

[edit]

Dichondra repens was first formally described in 1775 by German naturalists Johann Reinhold Forster and Georg Forster in Characteres generum plantarum,[1][8] and the lectotype collected by them in New Zealand,[9] is in the Sammlung für Völkerkunde anthropological collection in Göttingen.[10] The specific epithet repens is a Latin adjective meaning 'creeping'.[11]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Kidney weed is widespread in all Australian States and New Zealand, and occurs on Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean.[1] It grows in forest, woodland and grassland on clay or clay-based soils that are medium to high in nutrients, and is a weed of lawns. Associated species in New South Wales are river peppermint (Eucalyptus elata), thin-leaved stringybark (E. eugenioides), woollybutt (E. longifolia) and snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia).[5][7]

Ecology

[edit]

The native Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa) eats the seeds of this species.[7]

Use in horticulture

[edit]

This species is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and can be used as a lawn substitute or groundcover in gardens.[12]

Chemistry

[edit]

D. repens uses acylsugars as a chemical defence.[13] Among these are acylated resin glycosides which synergize with antibiotics to reverse bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR).[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dichondra repens

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dichondra repens, commonly known as kidney weed or dichondra, is a small, prostrate in the family, characterized by slender, creeping stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats up to 10 cm high and spreading indefinitely. Its leaves are bright green, reniform (kidney-shaped), 5–25 mm in diameter, with cordate bases and long petioles, while flowers are solitary, tubular, pale green to yellow, 2.5–4 mm long, borne on pedicels 10–50 mm in length, followed by small, soft-haired spherical capsules. Native to and , D. repens thrives in subtropical and temperate regions, inhabiting grasslands, woodlands, forests, lawns, and sandy or moist soils, often in partial shade to full sun, and is adapted to cool coastal conditions with moderate tolerance to but low drought and salinity resistance. It spreads rapidly via stolons and seeds, making it a popular low-maintenance groundcover alternative to turfgrass in small areas, though it requires frequent watering, fertilization, and can be invasive in thin lawns or overgrazed pastures. In , particularly among Dai and Miao ethnic groups in , the whole plant is used in decoctions or mashes to treat , , urinary tract infections, , contusions, , and menstrual disorders, supported by phytochemical analyses revealing over 125 compounds including dipeptides, resin glycosides, terpenoids, and volatile oils. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated , , antibacterial, antiviral (e.g., anti-HBV), hepatoprotective, and activities from its extracts, with low systemic toxicity reported, though further is needed.

Description and taxonomy

Description

Dichondra repens is a characterized by a prostrate, creeping growth habit, forming dense mats up to 5–10 cm tall that spread indefinitely through rooting at the nodes along its stems. The stems are softly hairy, whitish to reddish in color, and applied closely to the ground, enabling the plant to establish as a low-growing groundcover. The leaves are simple, alternate, and kidney-shaped to nearly circular (reniform), measuring 5–25 long and 5–30 wide, with petioles ranging from 10–50 in length. Leaf surfaces are hairy on , with a heart-shaped (cordate) base, rounded to slightly notched (emarginate) apex, and entire to sinuous margins. Flowers are solitary and axillary, greenish-yellow to pale green, star-shaped, and small, with a of 2–5 , borne on pedicels 5–60 long. The sepals (calyx lobes) are oblong-elliptic and 2.5–4 long, while the petals are united into a short tube at the base, expanding into five narrow lobes. Flowering occurs primarily from to in its native range. The fruit is a small, hairy, two-lobed capsule that divides into two compartments, each containing 2–4 seeds. Overall, D. repens presents as a lush, carpet-like groundcover with its bright green foliage and inconspicuous reproductive structures.

Taxonomy

Dichondra repens belongs to the genus Dichondra in the family , the family. Its full taxonomic classification is as follows: Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Tracheophyta, Class Magnoliopsida, Order , Family , Genus , Species D. repens. The binomial name Dichondra repens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. was first published in 1776 by Johann Reinhold Forster and Georg Forster in Characteres Generum Plantarum. The genus name Dichondra derives from the Greek words "dis" (two) and "chondros" (lump or grain), alluding to the two-lobed ovary of the species in the genus. The specific epithet "repens" is from Latin, meaning "creeping," which describes the plant's prostrate growth habit. Known synonyms for D. repens include Steripha reniformis Sol. ex Gaertn. and, in some contexts, Dichondra micrantha Urb., though the latter is often treated as a distinct or variety in the . The lectotype is a specimen collected by Forster in , designated from material in the Herbarium (GOET). No are currently recognized for this . The genus comprises approximately 15 accepted , primarily distributed in the , with a few in including D. repens.

Distribution and ecology

Distribution and habitat

Dichondra repens is native to , including eastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions ranging from through , Victoria, , , and , as well as New Zealand's North, South, and , and the islands of , , and . The species has been introduced as an ornamental ground cover elsewhere, including parts of the such as , where it has escaped cultivation and naturalized in some areas, as well as Pacific islands and other regions like , , and . In these non-native locations, it can spread in lawns and disturbed sites, occasionally becoming weedy. Dichondra repens prefers moist, shaded to partially shaded environments in forests, woodlands, grasslands, and along watercourses, often in clay-based, fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic of 5.5–7.0. In , it commonly associates with eucalypt woodlands, including such as elata and E. eugenioides, and plants like . The plant occurs from to approximately 1,000 m in and thrives in mild, humid climates with annual rainfall exceeding 600 mm. It tolerates foot traffic but may proliferate undesirably in managed lawns. The species holds no formal conservation status and is considered stable in its native range, though it poses potential risks as an invasive in non-native settings where it escapes ornamental plantings.

Ecology

Dichondra repens primarily reproduces vegetatively through stolons that root at nodes, enabling rapid formation of dense mats that spread across the ground surface. Sexual reproduction involves small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically wind-pollinated or self-pollinated, leading to the production of tiny capsules each containing four s. These s are dispersed primarily by gravity, with occasional transport by water or animals, though seed production and viability can be low in many populations, reinforcing reliance on clonal propagation. The flowers of D. repens attract small native bees and flies as pollinators, contributing to occasional seed set despite the prevalence of wind or self-pollination mechanisms. Herbivores interact with the plant through grazing on foliage by mammals such as rabbits and kangaroos, while insects occasionally feed on leaves; seeds face predation primarily from birds and invertebrates, which can limit recruitment in natural settings. In its native ecosystems of and , D. repens plays a key role as a groundcover that stabilizes in erosion-prone areas by binding substrates with its rooting stolons and reducing . It forms dense mats that suppress establishment through shading and competition, while providing and forage in understory layers; however, in disturbed sites, it can outcompete other native plants, potentially altering local . This dual function supports overall resilience but highlights its capacity for dominance in modified environments. The species faces threats from , which restricts growth and survival in arid conditions, and heavy by herbivores that can prevent formation and reduce vigor. Invasive grasses pose additional competitive in altered habitats, exacerbating declines in native ranges, though no major specialized pests are documented beyond occasional damage. Knowledge gaps persist regarding the full spectrum of pollinator interactions, including detailed networks of insect visitors, and the long-term invasive potential of D. repens beyond its native and , where monitoring in introduced regions remains limited.

Uses and chemistry

Use in

Dichondra repens is widely used as a low-maintenance groundcover and alternative in mild climates, forming a dense, soft turf that requires no regular mowing or only occasional trimming to 5 cm height. It is particularly suited for shaded areas, slopes, and spaces between pavers, where it spreads via creeping stems to create a lush while tolerating light foot traffic. In landscaping, it serves as an option and can be incorporated into containers or green roofs for added versatility. Propagation occurs primarily through or division of stolons, with germinating in 14–21 days at temperatures of 20–25°C; should be spaced 30–45 cm apart during spring or fall planting for optimal establishment. Once rooted at nodes, it spreads rapidly to fill areas, requiring minimal intervention beyond initial watering. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil amended with , needing regular watering and having low to moderate once established, though it prefers consistently moist conditions; it performs best in USDA zones 7–11 and has limited frost tolerance. No fertilizers are typically required once mature, emphasizing its low-maintenance appeal. Notable cultivars include 'Emerald Falls', a denser green form suitable for groundcover. Challenges include susceptibility to aphids and fungal diseases in poorly drained soils, as well as potential invasiveness in warm, wet environments where it can spread aggressively. It may also suffer root rot from waterlogging or die back during prolonged dry spells without recovery irrigation. Introduced to the in the 19th century as an ornamental, Dichondra repens gained popularity in the 1950s–1970s as a grass alternative in mild-climate lawns, particularly on the West Coast, before declining due to maintenance issues in changing landscapes. Among its benefits, it effectively prevents through its mat-forming habit and attracts with its small flowers, supporting habitats without additional inputs.

Traditional and medicinal uses

Dichondra repens has been used in , particularly by Dai and Miao ethnic groups in , where decoctions or mashes of the whole plant treat conditions such as , , urinary tract infections, , contusions, , and menstrual disorders. Pharmacological studies support , , antibacterial, antiviral (including anti-HBV), hepatoprotective, and activities in its extracts, with low systemic observed, though clinical trials are lacking.

Chemistry

Dichondra repens produces acylsugars, primarily in the form of glycosides, as key defensive compounds secreted from glandular trichomes on surfaces, forming sticky exudates that deter herbivores and pathogens. These glycosides consist of cores esterified with hydroxy fatty acids and additional acyl groups, contributing to their amphipathic nature and role in plant protection. Among the identified resin glycosides are the acylated forms dichondrins A–C, isolated from hydrophobic extracts of the plant, which exhibit synergistic effects with antibiotics such as , enhancing efficacy against multidrug-resistant strains of by reversing resistance mechanisms at non-toxic concentrations (e.g., 25 μM). Deacylated variants of these glycosides demonstrate even higher reversal activity compared to their acylated counterparts, highlighting the influence of acylation patterns on bioactivity. Additional known resin glycosides, such as cus-1, cus-2, and cus-3, have also been reported in D. repens. Phytochemical analyses have identified over 125 compounds in D. repens, including dipeptides, terpenoids, volatile oils, (e.g., and isoflavones), and phenolic compounds (e.g., coumarins like and ). These contribute to the plant's capacity by scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory responses, such as suppressing TNF-α and NO production in macrophages. No alkaloids or major toxins have been reported in phytochemical analyses of D. repens. The biosynthesis of acylsugars in D. repens involves the esterification of sugar cores, such as glucose and , with fatty acids (e.g., 11-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid) via promiscuous BAHD acyltransferases, leading to structural diversity that may vary under environmental stresses like herbivory, though specific induction mechanisms remain underexplored. These compounds hold potential applications as natural pesticides due to their defensive properties against herbivores and microbes, and as adjuvants for combating multidrug resistance, with extracts also showing direct activity attributed to phenolic components in the . However, none have been commercialized to date. Despite these findings, profiling of D. repens remains limited, with as of 2022 emphasizing glycoside- interactions and structural diversification, building on earlier defense-focused studies.

References

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  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7908059/
  3. https://hgic.clemson.edu/24682-2/
  4. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/TURFSPECIES/dichondra.html
  5. https://portal.wiktrop.org/species/show/454
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  7. http://syzygium.xyz/saplants/Convolvulaceae/Dichondra/Dichondra_repens.html
  8. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:267765-1
  9. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/161824-Dichondra-repens
  10. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001297426
  11. https://www.whichplantwhere.com.au/plant/dichondra-repens?l=2600&p=2
  12. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:11850-1
  13. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.110231
  14. https://bie.ala.org.au/species/Dichondra_repens
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