Dichondra

Dichondra repens: is a member of the Convolvulaceae family and is known as Kidney Weed. This is an unfortunate common name. Although the leaves are kidney-shaped it is not a weed but a useful Australian native plant.
Dichondra repens is a prostrate perennial that roots at the nodes. The kidney-shaped leaves are about three centimetres across. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Dichondra repens is distributed throughout Australia as well as New Zealand .
The species will develop into a dense ground cover but requires reasonable water for maximum coverage.
In some gardens Dichondra repens is grown as a lawn substitute but requires full sun and watering to fulfil this purpose.
It is said the Dichondra repens will invade garden beds. We do not agree with this slander. We welcome Dichondra repens into our gardens as the species does not interfere with other plants. It forms living mulch that inhibits weeds and reduces evaporation.
Propagation is by division.
Sometimes nurseries sell Dichondra repens in punnets.

Plants