Kidney Weed- a native (Dichondra repens)

Family: Convolvulaceae (Convolvulus family).

Native of Australia.

Occurrence: A mat-forming plant of damp places, including well-watered lawns.

Identification:

• the leaves resemble those of the native Ivy-leaf Violet
• the flowers are tiny, and are white or yellow
• the stem is creeping, and Kidneyweed often forms roots at the base of the leaf stalk.

Similar species: Kidneyweed can be confused with the native Ivy-leaf Violet. The leaves of Kidneyweed have shorter leaf-stalks, and are hairy. A magnifying glass may be needed to see the hairs.

Photos: 1,2,3. Kidney Weed. Metcalfe Flora Reserve.
4. Portion of a Kidneyweed stem. Roots are often formed at the base of the leaf stalk. Barkers Creek.