An annual herb with prostrate stems developing a long taproot native to tropical South America. A weed of footpaths, roadsides, cultivation and degraded pastures. Weed risk low, innocuous.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage, flowers
Leaves with entire margins, are hairy and rough to the touch, especially along the edges, oppositely arranged with oval (elliptic) blades that are pointed at the tip. The leaf stalks (petioles) are 4-12 mm long and the margins entire.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Flowers closeup
At the base of each inflorescence are two or four bracts. Flowering occurs mainly from spring through to autumn. The fruit split apart into three one-seeded segments when mature.
A similar Richardia, Richardia stellaris has leaves that are not stalked and its flowers have four petals and sepals.

Photo: Robert Whyte