Murdannia nudiflora aka Nakedstem Dewflower

Murdannia nudiflora is native to tropical Asia and Australia. It has naturalized extensively across warm-temperate and tropical regions worldwide, including the southeastern United States (South Carolina to Texas), Central and South America, Central Africa, and Japan.

Doveweed is a low-growing annual that forms dense, prostrate mats. Stems are creeping and can extend up to 115 cm (about 1.1 m) in length, rooting at nodes along the way. Despite its ground-hugging habit, it can colonize large areas rapidly, with multiple generations completing per season under warm, wet conditions.

Flowers are small (under 6 mm wide), pinkish-purple or violet, with three petals, appearing in loose groups. Blooming occurs from summer through fall, with peak activity during hot, wet periods. Flowers are followed by small capsules containing two deeply pitted seeds.

Not recommended for any garden or wild habitat. It is classified as a problematic weed in lawns, gardens, and open or lightly shaded sites. Infestations typically begin in low-lying areas or drainage ditches with intermittent standing water. USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b. If control is needed outdoors, few herbicides are effective and management typically requires 2-3 years.

Doveweed is itself a significant weed pest in agriculture and lawns, infesting at least 16 crops across 23 countries. Few herbicides effectively control it. Management requires a consistent multi-year program. Infestations tend to originate in wet low-lying areas and spread outward. Contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in dogs.

Murdannia nudiflora reproduces exclusively by seed. Seeds germinate best in hot, wet weather, with most seedlings emerging from late May through August. Plants can complete several generations per season. Stems also root readily at nodes when in contact with moist soil, allowing vegetative spread via stolons.

As a warm-season annual, doveweed germinates in late spring (late May through August) during hot, wet conditions and completes its life cycle before frost kills it. It can produce several generations per season. In climates below USDA zone 7, it does not overwinter.

Murdannia nudiflora is not grown as an ornamental — it is considered a difficult-to-control weed. Where it establishes, it spreads aggressively and few herbicides are effective. Eradication typically requires a management program lasting two to three or more years.

Murdannia nudiflora grows in mean annual temperatures of 10-33°C and dies below 5°C. It germinates and grows best in hot, wet weather, with most seedlings emerging from late May through August in temperate regions. It can grow from sea level to over 1,800 m elevation and tolerates annual rainfall from 250 to 2,500 mm.

Murdannia nudiflora produces small, open flowers with three petals that are accessible to insects. Pollination is primarily by insects attracted to the pinkish-purple or violet flowers. The plant sets seed prolifically, producing multiple generations per growing season.

Young leaves and stems of Murdannia nudiflora are edible when cooked. The plant is consumed as a vegetable in parts of its native range in tropical Asia, though palatability varies by region — in some areas it is considered an acceptable food, while in others it is eaten only during times of famine. Rated 2/5 for edibility.

Traditional medicine in tropical Asia has used Murdannia nudiflora for several applications: root infusions are used to treat wounds and conjunctivitis, while leaves are applied as poultices for burns, boils, and sores. Medicinal potential is rated 2/5.

No other significant uses have been documented for Murdannia nudiflora beyond its limited food and medicinal applications.

Nakedstem Dewflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Nakedstem Dewflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Nakedstem Dewflower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Doveweed is always in the right place to thrive.

Repotting the Nakedstem Dewflower should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.