Plants of
South Australia
Dichondra repens
Convolvulaceae
Tom Thumb,
Kidney Weed
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Regional Species Conservation Assessments per IBRA subregion.
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Near threatened
Rare
Vulnerable
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Adelaide
Arkaroola
Ceduna
Coober Pedy
Hawker
Innamincka
Marla
Marree
Mount Gambier
Oodnadatta
Renmark
Wudinna
Keith
Yunta
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Botanical art

Kath Alcock paintings: 9

Common names

Tom Thumb

Kidney Weed

Etymology

Dichondra from the Greek 'di' meaning two and 'chondros' meaning a grain, referring to the structure of the fruit. Repens from Latin meaning creeping, alluding to the species' habit.

Distribution and status

Found in the wetter parts of South Australia from the Gammon Ranges to the lower South-east growing in grassy eucalypt woodlands and grasslands, mainly in sandy soils, often in moist areas along streams and rivers. Also found in all States except the Northern Territory. Native. Common in South Australia. Common in the other States.
Herbarium regions: Flinders Ranges, Eyre Peninsula, Northern Lofty, Murray, Yorke Peninsula, Southern Lofty, Kangaroo Island, South Eastern, Green Adelaide
NRM regions: Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Northern and Yorke, South Australian Murray-Darling Basin, South East
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)

Plant description

Greyish-pubescent perennial with creeping stems, rooting at the nodes. Leaves on long petioles, reniform to oblong-orbicular, to 25 mm long; rounded to emarginate, base cordate. Inflorescent small solitary pale greenish-yellow flower in axils of leaves. Flowers throughout the year but mainly between October and January. Fruits are brown hairy 2 cell capsule.

Seed collection and propagation

Collect seeds between November and March. Collect mature capsules that are drying off, turning pale brown with hard, dark seeds inside. Capsule with viable seeds maybe difficult to find. Sieve to separate any unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place.