SafePlants

Slender Carpetweed and Carpetweed: A Botanical Overview

The term "Carpetweed" can refer to several different plants, including Ajuga reptans (a species in the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as bugleweed), plants in the genus Mollugo, and plants in the family Aizoaceae. This article primarily focuses on species known as "Slender Carpetweed," particularly Glinus oppositifolius and Mollugo gracillima.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of "slender stems" in several carpetweed varieties.
• Some varieties, like Glinus oppositifolius, have been traditionally used as a stomachic and uterine stimulant.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the presence of "slender stems" in several carpetweed varieties.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Names: Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., Mollugo gracillima Andersson, Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser.
• Common Names: Slender Carpetweed, Threadstem Carpetweed, Wire-stem Chickweed.
• Family: Molluginaceae (though Glinus oppositifolius has also been placed in Aizoaceae).
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Synonyms: Mollugo oppositifolia Linn., Pharnaceum cerviana L., Mollugo spergula (L.).
• Taxonomic Rank: Species.
• Mollugo gracillima is described as a forb/herb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Slender Carpetweed is found at low and medium altitudes.
• It is described as a common weed.
• One source indicates it is native to Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

• Slender Carpetweed is a small, erect, multi-stemmed annual plant.
• Stems are slender, up to 20cm long, but usually less.
• Flowers are small, white to greenish-white, with 5 petals.
• Flowers occur in clusters of up to five in the leaf axils on slender stalks.
• Flowers are about 1/8 inch across with 5 rounded petals.
• Fruit are small, three-parted, egg-shaped capsules.
• Prostrate stems are slender, green, and multibranched.

Ecological Role

• Carpetweed is described as a weed, primarily in cultivated agronomic and horticultural crops.

Quirky Facts

• In the Philippines, slender carpetweed is known locally as Sarsalida or Malagoso.
• Slender carpetweed is occasionally used in scientific context of Glinus Oppitisifolus
• One reference mentions a "Chicken & Slender Carpetweed Vindaloo," suggesting a culinary use.
• The text mentions "Rau ??ng ??t" (Slender carpetweed) being used in Vietnamese.
• One source indicates that the plant above ground is edible.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Carpetweed is sometimes confused with other lawn weeds.

Further Information

• StuartXchange (Philippine Medicinal Plants)
• Australian Plant Census
• Discover Life
• Australian Plant Index