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ponysfoot
Scientific Name: Dichondra
Family: Convolvulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Dichondra (Ponysfoot)
The Dichondra genus, commonly known as ponysfoot, encompasses several species of low-growing, mat-like plants. These plants are often found in lawns and meadows and are sometimes used as groundcovers.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some varieties, like Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls', are used in hanging baskets, potentially making them accessible to pets and children.
- One source mentions that ponysfoot leaves can be used to cut the bitterness of other wild greens. This might suggest caution if pets or children are prone to ingesting plant material, though it does not explicitly indicate toxicity.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Dichondra J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.
- Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-Glory Family)
- Kingdom: Plant
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Dichondra evolvulacea var. argentea (for Dichondra sericea - Silverleaf Ponysfoot)
Common Species and Varieties:
- Dichondra micrantha Urb. - California ponysfoot, Asian ponysfoot
- Dichondra microcalyx Meisn. - Asian ponysfoot
- Dichondra sericea Sw. - kidney weed, silverleaf ponysfoot
- Dichondra carolinensis Michx. - Carolina ponysfoot
- Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls' - Silver Ponysfoot, Silver Falls Kidney Weed
- Dichondra occidentalis - Western Ponysfoot
- Dichondra recurvata Tharp & M.C. Johnst. - Oakwoods ponysfoot
- Dichondra donelliana - California Ponysfoot
- Dichondra repens 'Silver Falls' - Kidneyweed Silver Falls Ponysfoot
Distribution and Habitat
- California ponysfoot is a common sight on lawns and meadows.
- Western Ponysfoot (Dichondra occidentalis) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the South Coast.
- Dichondra donelliana is an uncommon native perennial herb or vine that grows in northern, southern, and central California.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dichondra micrantha is a perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
- Some Dichondra species have leaves that look like tiny waterlily pads with emerald green to grayish green coloration.
- Dichondra sericea (Silverleaf Ponysfoot) forms a tight, slowly spreading mat to only 1 to 2 inches above the ground with 1 inch wide leaves.
- Dichondra argentea is a creeping ground cover that forms roots wherever it contacts the ground.
Ecological Role
- Asian ponysfoot is a low-spreading groundcover once heavily used as a substitute for grass.
Quirky Facts
- Ponysfoot leaves are mentioned as a possible ingredient to cut the bitterness of other wild greens, suggesting a potential (though perhaps uncommon) culinary use.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica offers online encyclopedia articles related to Asian ponysfoot.
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dichondra carolinensis.
- The USDA Plants Database may contain information on native statuses and symbols for various Dichondra species.