HerbCultivatedPerennial

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski

Synonym: Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc

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Description

Sphagneticola trilobata is a creeping perennial herb forming dense mats by rooting at the nodes. Stems are succulent, branched, and prostrate. Leaves are opposite, glossy green, ovate to obovate, often distinctly three-lobed near the apex, with serrate margins. Flower heads are solitary, borne on long peduncles, with bright yellow ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disc florets. Fruits are small achenes, although seed production is often limited and vegetative spread predominates.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Creeping stems rooting at the nodes with opposite, often three-lobed leaves.

Floral

Solitary bright yellow daisy-like flower heads on long stalks.

Fruit & Seed

Small achenes; spread mainly through vegetative propagation.

Distribution

Native range: Tropical America.

Introduced range: Widely naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

In Pakistan: Cultivated and naturalized in Pakistan, especially in gardens and urban landscapes.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: Throughout the year under favorable conditions Fruiting: Throughout the growing season

Ethnobotany & Uses

Uses

Extensively cultivated as an ornamental groundcover. Used traditionally for treating wounds, inflammation, and minor skin infections. Considered an invasive species in many tropical countries due to its rapid vegetative spread.

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Where it grows on campus

North-East Campus1

individuals mapped across 1 zone

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Taxonomic Notes

Formerly known as Wedelia trilobata, this species is now placed in the genus Sphagneticola based on modern taxonomic studies. It is readily recognized by its creeping habit, three-lobed leaves, and bright yellow flower heads. The accepted name follows Flora of Pakistan, POWO, and World Flora Online (WFO).