Kidney Weed
Dichondra repens (Convolvulaceae)
Dichondra: Two-lumped; refers to the two-lobed ovary
repens: creeping (stoloniferous)
Description: Prostrate, creeping herb
repens: creeping (stoloniferous)
Description: Prostrate, creeping herb
Habitat: Occurs in a wide variaty of vegetation community types; plains grasslands, Red Gum Woodland, Coastal Banksia Woodlands, riparian scrub and woodland, dry and valley sclerophyll forests, grassy lowland open forests
Distribution: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Australian National Territory, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and also New Zealand
Plant size: spreading habit so size is relative to growing conditions; the petioles (leaf stems) vary from <10 mm to approx. 14 cm
Foliage: Reniform (kidney-shaped) to 40 mm long.(1)
Foliage: Reniform (kidney-shaped) to 40 mm long.(1)
Flower: Minute and greenish; flowering September to December.(1)
In the garden: Adaptable to a wide range of conditions; full sun or shade, will creep through lawns and grassy reveg, a good lawn alternative in light traffic areas.(1)
This is an awesome potted specimen, as a base plant to a small tree or shrub or on its own. The one I have is in a large pot has been vigorously growing for over two years, forming a cascade of foliage spilling over the sides of the pot (would be great in a hanging basket) which forms the base to a Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) (see previous post). Summer watering in this situation is essential.
This is an awesome potted specimen, as a base plant to a small tree or shrub or on its own. The one I have is in a large pot has been vigorously growing for over two years, forming a cascade of foliage spilling over the sides of the pot (would be great in a hanging basket) which forms the base to a Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) (see previous post). Summer watering in this situation is essential. Native Nurseries
Here’s a list of the nurseries around the Greater Melbourne area that one might obtain Kidney Weed. I got mine from CERES Permaculture & Bushfood Nursery in East Brunswick.
CERES Permaculture & Bushfood Nursery: Cnr. Roberts and Stewart Streets Brunswick East, Victoria 3057. Hours: Seven days a week from 9am until 5pm Phone: 9389 0111. Email: nursery@ceres.org.au
La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary Indigenous Plant Nursery (ex- Keelbundora): Cnr. La Trobe Ave. And Main Road, Bundoora, Victoria. Entrance off La Trobe Ave. Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Phone: (03) 9479 2871 OR (03) 9479 5061 Email: plants@latrobe.edu.au
Further reading and links
PlantNET: New South Wales Flora Online:
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Dichondra~repensRoyal Botanic Gardens Melbourne:
References
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