Dichondra is a small genus of prostrate, perennial, herbaceous flowering plants in the family Convolvulaceae (the morning glory family), placed in the order Solanales. Plants in this genus grow with creeping stems that root readily at the leaf nodes, forming low, spreading mats close to the ground. The flowers are small — typically 2–3 mm in diameter — and white, greenish, or yellowish in colour. Members of the genus are commonly known as ponysfoots.
The genus is distributed across tropical and cool temperate regions worldwide, with species recorded from North America (including Texas, New Mexico, and the Southern California coast), Mexico, South America, and Asia. The number of accepted species is disputed; some authorities recognise only two, while the International Plant Names Index lists around fifteen, including Dichondra macrocalyx, D. microcalyx, D. sericea (silverleaf ponysfoot), D. donelliana (California ponysfoot), and D. occidentalis (western dichondra).
Several species are cultivated as ornamental groundcovers. Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls', with its trailing silver-leaved stems, is widely used in containers and hanging baskets. Dichondra micrantha (Asian ponysfoot) was a popular lawn substitute in Southern California during the 1950s and 1960s. In some parts of the United States, non-native Dichondra species have naturalised and are treated as weeds.
Etymology
The genus name Dichondra derives from the Greek words δίς (dis, meaning "two") and χόνδρος (chondros, meaning "grain"), a reference to the shape of the fruits.
Distribution
Dichondra species are native to tropical and cool temperate regions around the world. Recorded native ranges include southern North America (Texas, New Mexico, Southern California), Mexico, South America, and Asia. Some non-native species have naturalised in the United States.
Cultivation
Several Dichondra species are cultivated as ornamental groundcovers and trailing plants. Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls' is a popular cultivar grown for its silver-grey trailing foliage in containers and hanging baskets, and tolerates lower water conditions. Dichondra micrantha was extensively used as a lawn substitute in Southern California during the 1950s and 1960s; each leaf consists of a nearly circular to kidney-shaped blade 8–25 mm in diameter on a 20–35 mm petiole.
