Eclipta prostrata aka Bhringaraj

Eclipta prostrata, or false daisy, belongs to the daisy family. It grows across warm temperate and tropical parts of the world. Sources differ on its native range. Kew lists Israel, while Useful Tropical Plants suggests an American origin. NC State lists origins in Asia, India, Brazil, and North America. The plant grows as an annual or a short-lived perennial.

False daisy grows fast and forms upright or spreading branches. NC State gives a garden height of 0.3–1.7 feet [0.1–0.51 m]. Its listed spread is 1–3 feet [0.3–0.91 m]. Useful Tropical Plants reports heights reaching 2.6 feet [0.8 m]. NC State notes that larger plants can exceed 3 feet [0.91 m] both ways. Weak stems lie against the ground and root at nodes. The fleshy stems are green, sometimes tinted red or purple. Fine hairs cover them. Green leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each narrow leaf has a pointed tip and shallow teeth. Hairs cover both leaf surfaces.

Small flower heads measure about one-third to one-half inch across. They have white ray florets and white or yellow disk florets. Young heads can look flat and green. Flowers appear in summer and early fall in seasonal climates. In warm places, plants may bloom throughout the year. Bees, small butterflies, wasps, and flies visit the flowers. The fruit is a small, flattened brown or black achene. Each fruit has narrow wings.

This plant grows in ditches, marshes, and beside streams. It also grows along rice fields and in container drain holes. It needs damp to wet soil and tolerates wet ground. NC State lists full sun or partial shade. PFAF calls for some shade. Loam or mucky soil suits it, with acid to neutral pH. NC State lists USDA zones 10–12. Frost kills the plant in seasonal climates. British summers may lack enough heat for good growth.

False daisy can serve pond edges, borders, and pollinator gardens. Yet it can become invasive, and rooted stems hinder removal. NC State reports no major pest or disease problems. People cook tender leaves and young shoots as vegetables. Traditional medicine uses the plant, and it yields black dye. PFAF reports no known hazards, but NC State flags low toxicity. Reported effects include skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. It also flags risks to cats, dogs, and horses.