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Synonyms: |
Chamaesyce serpens (Kunth) Small Euphorbia minutiflora N.E. Br. |
Common names: | Creeping spurge (English) Matted sandmat (English) |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Introduced |
Description: |
Small, much-branched prostrate annual herb with hairless branches up to 20 cm long. Leaves opposite, broadly ovate to almost round, tiny, up to 4 mm long, cordate at the base; margin entire. Flowers terminal or on short axillary shoots, maroon-purple and white, sexes separate on the same plant. Fruit a 3-lobed capsule, c. 18 mm long, yellowish-green, exserted on a reflexed pedicel. Seeds smooth. |
Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | |
Habitat: | In disturbed areas, often near water. |
Altitude range: (metres) | Up to 1450 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Native to North and South America, now a pantropical weed. |
Zimbabwe distribution: | N,W,C,S |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Sunday 31 August 2008 |
Literature: |
Carter, S. & Leach, L.C. (2001). Euphorbiaceae: subfamily Euphorbioideae: tribe Euphorbieae Flora Zambesiaca 9(5) Pages 356 - 357. Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 41. Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 56. as Chamaesyce serpens |
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