匍匐黄细心 pu fu huang xi xin

Boerhavia diffusa Linnaeus var. minor (Delile) Cufodontis; B. repens var. minor Delile.

Herbs ephemeral to perennial. Stems prostrate, radiating from taproot, to 50 cm, most parts eglandular-puberulent. Petiole to 1 cm; leaf blade 1-2.5 × 0.4-1.5 cm, abaxially conspicuously pale, base rounded to cuneate, margin entire, apex rounded to subacute. Inflorescences mostly axillary, 2-5-flowered umbels, sometimes gathered into cymes, to 2 cm. Pedicel to 1 mm. Perianth limb white, pink, or pale purple, to 1 mm. Stamens (1 or)2(or 3). Anthocarp clavate, 3-3.5 mm, 5-ribbed, sparsely puberulent, sometimes with ± sessile glands.

Sunny sites in disturbed areas. Fujian, Guangdong [widespread in Africa, America, Asia, etc.].

This species is often confused with Boerhavia diffusa. It can be most readily distinguished by the lack of multicellular hairs along the leaf margins, consistently pedicellate flowers, and much paler perianth. It differs from B. erecta by the very differently shaped fruit. This is a pantropical, ruderal weed, mainly growing in dry areas.