Dichondra
Perennial herbs with prostrate stems, rooting at the nodes, hairs 2-branched from base (centrifixed). Leaves simple, entire, petiolate. Flowers solitary in leaf-axils, bracteolate; sepals 5, free or united at base only, subequal; corolla campanulate, 5-lobed; corolla-lobes induplicate-valvate or slightly imbricate, glabrous; stamens 5, inserted between corolla-lobes (in Australia), filaments more or less equal, glabrous; ovary deeply 2-lobed, glabrous, ovules 2 per lobe, styles 2, inserted between the lobes, stigmas capitate. Capsule deeply 2-lobed, indehiscent or irregularly 2-valved, lobes (in Australia) pilose and opening irregularly; seeds 1 (rarely 2) per lobe, glabrous.
About 10 species from tropical regions; 4 species in Australia, 1 introduced.
In addition to the species keyed here, Dichondra argentea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., often sold as 'Silver Falls' is commonly grown in rockeries and hanging baskets, popular for its attractive silver-grey foliage and drought-tolerance. It is known to self-seed in gardens and could be anticipated to become naturalised in suitable habitats. It is native to dry regions of south-western USA and Mexico.
The genus is under review in Australia.
Jeanes, J.A. (1999). Convolvulaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 365–375. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
