Soleirolia

Soleirolia soleirolii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Soleirolia
Gaudich.
Species: S. soleirolii
Binomial name
Soleirolia soleirolii
(Req.) Dandy
Synonyms [1]

Helxine soleirolii Req.

Soleirolia soleirolii (/soʊˌliːəˈroʊliə soʊˌliːəˈroʊliˌaɪ, ˌsoʊlɪˈroʊ-/,[2][3] syn. Helxine soleirolii) is a plant in the nettle family. It has a number of common names, including baby's tears, angel's tears, mind-your-own-business, peace-in-the-home, pollyanna vine, polly prim, mother of thousands,[4] and the Corsican curse. It has also been called Irish moss; however, it is not a moss, nor should it be confused with Sagina subulata or Chondrus crispus (an alga), which are also known as "Irish moss".

Description

It is a delicate-looking creeping herb with juicy bright green or yellow leaves and multitudes of tiny white flowers. It grows close to the ground in mats and is sometimes used in ornamental gardens alongside ferns and other moisture-loving types of plant.

The leaves are usually slightly stalked, about 5 mm across. The minute flowers produce oval seeds.[5]

Distribution

This species is native to the northern Mediterranean region in and around Italy and nearby islands, but it has been introduced and cultivated nearly worldwide as an ornamental and garden plant.

Habitat

It can be grown indoors as a houseplant and used in habitats for amphibians. It prefers shade and moderate moisture. It can even grow submersed in swampy environments. In colder regions the plant dies back during winter, but it returns with lush growth as the temperature increases. It is capable of vegetative reproduction, so to eradicate it once it has become established in an area, the entire plant must be removed, or else it can sprout new growth. It is a common weed in many places.[6] Nurseries grow several varieties, including gold, yellow, and white breeds, but the mossy-green type is most popular with gardeners.

This species, the only member of the monotypic genus, Soleirolia,[1] was named after Joseph-François Soleirol by Esprit Requien. Soleirol, an amateur botanist, originally collected the plant in Corsica.

References

  1. 1 2 David E. Boufford (1997). "Urticaceae". Magnoliophyta: Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae. Flora of North America. 3. Oxford University Press. pp. 400–413. ISBN 978-0-19-511246-7.
  2. ↑ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
  3. ↑ "Pronunciation Guide". Fine Gardening. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
  4. ↑ Soleirolia soleirolii at USDA PLANTS Database. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  5. ↑ Parnell, J. and Curtis, T. 2012. Webb's An Irish Flora. Cork University Press. ISBN 978-185918-4783
  6. ↑ "Mind-your-own-business". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
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