Carpetweed
Mollugo verticillata
Molluginaceae
Medicinal. Also reported to be edible.
Carpetweed has a prostate growth habit, where it will sprawl across the soil and can a form a mat. The small narrow leaves (1-3 cm) are whorled (3-8 at each node). Carpet weed initially forms a basal rosotte, but this is generally not present at maturity. The small white flowers are usually in clusters of 2-5. The small egg shaped fruit (1.5–4 mm) is a dehiscent capsule. Interestingly, carpetweed possesses intermediate C3-C4 photosynthetic pathway characteristics. Carpetweed can be found growing in fields, lawns & gardens, roadsides, around building and pathways, moist to dry soils, sand, wetlands and altidutes up to 3000 m. It tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Mollugo verticillata supports mycorrhizal association (see link below - Andrade et al., 2017)
Birds and small mammals are known to eat the seeds of carpetweed. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees and various flies, including Syrphid flies, flesh flies, and Muscid flies. It is a host for the Dainty Sulphur butterfly (Nathalis iole).Carpetweed is a host for Aphis spiraecola (Common names include Green citrus aphid, Spirea aphid and Apple aphid).