Scientific Name
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Synonyms
Mollugo tetraphylla
Common Names
fourleaf allseed, four-leaved allseed
Origin
Europe
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a small, spreading, glabrous (hairless) annual (living only 1 growth season).
Leaves are spoon-shaped and have a short slender stem. Leaves are opposite and appear to be in whorls of 4.
Flowers are white, tiny and numerous and are in loose bunches at the end of most stems.
Fruit is a rounded capsule.
Plants may be found growing from cracks or crevices or hidden beneath other plants.
This plant is easy to remove by grabbing it firmly near the roots and pulling. As it is a prolific seeder, the pulled plant should be placed in a bag for disposal or composted.
Sources & References
"Weeds - an illustrated botanical guide to weeds of Australia" by B. A. Auld and R. W. Medd
"Plantnet FloraOnline" (2005) http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
Prepared by Justin KY Chu, July 2005
Checked and updated by IEWF, February 2007