Sphagneticola tril...   

Sphagneticola trilobata's description

Spreading, mat-forming perennial herb up to 30 cm in height. Has rounded stems up to 40 cm long, rooting at nodes and with the flowering stems ascending. Leaves are fleshy, hairy, 4–9 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, serrate or irregularly toothed, normally with pairs of lateral lobes, and dark green above and lighter green below. Peduncles are 3–10 cm long; involucres are campanulate to hemispherical, about 1 cm high; chaffy bracts are lanceolate, rigid. The flowers are bright yellow ray florets of about 8-13 per head, rays are 6–15 mm long; disk-corollas 4–5 mm long. The pappus is a crown of short fimbriate scales. The seeds are tuberculate achenes, 4–5 mm long. Propagation is mostly vegetatively as seeds are usually not fertile

Sphagneticola trilobata's facts

• Sphagneticola trilobata is listed in the IUCN's “List of the world's 100 worst invasive species”

Sphagneticola trilobata's Behavior & Ecology

In Maldives, Sphagneticola trilobata can be seen in wild and in gardens. This plant prefers full sun but also performs well in shady conditions. Very adaptable to wide range of soil types, including nutrient-poor sand, saline soils, swampy or waterlogged areas, and bare limestone. Tolerant of dry periods and periodic innudation. Fast growth may smother nearby groundcovers, so plant should be pruned back regularly. Easily propagated by stem cuttings and stolons.

Sphagneticola trilobata's Reproduction

Pollination Method: Biotic (Fauna) (Insects,Butterfly, Moth)

Propagation Method : Seed, Stem Cutting, Stolon / Runner.

Sphagneticola trilobata's Relationship with Humans

It is used as a garden ornament. Toxic Upon Ingestion, all plant parts contain ivalin, toxic to mammals, can cause aborted fetuses when ingested.