Morphological description

Prostrate, annual or perennial herb, up to 0.2 m high. Leaves in whorls of 4, obovate. Inflorescences crowded in many-flowered cymes. Flowers white, with 5 small, entire, hyaline petals, shorter than sepals. Flowering time Sept.-Dec. Fruit a capsule, dehiscent almost to base into 3 spirally twisting valves. Seeds many, ovoid or lenticular. From: Bredenkamp, CL. 2019. Caryophyllaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(1): 757-767. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY] As: Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. var. alsinifolium (Mill.) Arcang.

Annual herb, up to 0.2 m high; glabrous. Stems procumbent or decumbent. Leaves with blade ovate, mostly in whorls of 4, green. Flowers: in clusters; inflorescence lax, spreading, much branched; corolla with petals shorter than sepals, white; Sep.-Dec. Fruit a 3-valved capsule. From: Retief, E; Meyer, NL. 2017. Caryophyllaceae. In: E Retief & NL Meyer (eds), Plants of the Free State: Inventory and identification guide. Strelitzia 38: 450-457. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Prostrate, glabrous or shortly hairy annual or rarely perennial, up to 200 mm tall, with much-branched stems and without a woody rootstock. Leaves in whorls of 4, ± obovate. Flowers congested in small, branched cymes, petals white, shallowly notched. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Caryophyllaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 346-348. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Prostrate annual or perennial to 20 cm. Leaves in whorls of 4, obovate. Flowers congested in branched cymes, white, petals emarginate. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Caryophyllaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 459-462. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Prostrate herb or suberect annual, up to 200 mm tall. Leaves green, mostly in whorls of 4. Inflorescence lax, spreading, much\branched. Flowers green and white. From: Retief, E; Herman, PPJ. 1997. Plants of the northern provinces of South Africa: Keys and diagnostic characters. Strelitzia 6: 1-681. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Habitat

Weed of waste places. Sub-Escarpment Grassland, Eastern Fynbos-Renosterveld, Albany Thicket. From: Bredenkamp, CL. 2019. Caryophyllaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(1): 757-767. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY] As: Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. var. alsinifolium (Mill.) Arcang.

Dry Grassland. Waste places. From: Retief, E; Meyer, NL. 2017. Caryophyllaceae. In: E Retief & NL Meyer (eds), Plants of the Free State: Inventory and identification guide. Strelitzia 38: 450-457. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Weed of waste places. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Caryophyllaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 346-348. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Weed of waste places. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Caryophyllaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 459-462. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Waste places. From: Retief, E; Herman, PPJ. 1997. Plants of the northern provinces of South Africa: Keys and diagnostic characters. Strelitzia 6: 1-681. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Distribution

Native to Europe. From: Retief, E; Meyer, NL. 2017. Caryophyllaceae. In: E Retief & NL Meyer (eds), Plants of the Free State: Inventory and identification guide. Strelitzia 38: 450-457. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Cosmopolitan weed. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Caryophyllaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 346-348. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Cosmopolitan weed. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Caryophyllaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 459-462. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Native of Europe. From: Retief, E; Herman, PPJ. 1997. Plants of the northern provinces of South Africa: Keys and diagnostic characters. Strelitzia 6: 1-681. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Flowering time

September to December

Altitude

5 to 914 m

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

Residence status

Occurrence in the Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) countries and South African provinces. Residence status indicates if a taxon is indigenous, endemic, naturalised or invasive in a specific region. This data is based on specimen records and literature

FSA

SA

BOT

NAM

ESW

LES

WC

EC

NC

FS

GA

KZN

LP

MP

NW

Absent

Indigenous

Endemic

Naturalised

Invasive

https://seis-sanbi.azureedge.net/anura/default/asset.do?preview=266470

Names and Sources

Accepted name
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.
Synonym(s)

Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. var. alsinifolium (Mill.) Arcang.


Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. var. verticillatum Fenzl


74 results for Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.

Specimen records

Barcode: PRE0406467-0 Collector(s) & number: Whellan, JA, 1499 | 1958-1-2

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0039168-0 Collector(s) & number: Lawn, JG, 1165 | 1949-9-24

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Zululand District. Umhlatuzi Valley, Melmoth Road.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510098-0 Collector(s) & number: O'Callaghan, M, 668 | 1983-11-22

South Africa, Western Cape, SW Cape. Wildevoelvlei around lower vlei.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510081-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 4427 | 1962-11-28

South Africa, Western Cape, Kaap, Knysna. Keuboomstrand

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510102-0 Collector(s) & number: Walgate, M, 477 | 1943-8-1

South Africa, Western Cape, Robben Island

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510109-0 Collector(s) & number: Fellingham, A, 223a | 1981-10-14

South Africa, Western Cape, Waste area on N side of Natural Science Building, Merriman Avenue, Stellenbosch.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0992420-0 Collector(s) & number: Baard, JA, 2046 | 2016-10-

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape. Knysna, Goudveld SF.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0145397-0 Collector(s) & number: Botanical Research Institute, 20 | 1988-5-25

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Westville.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0580520-0 Collector(s) & number: Brand, R, 260 | 2000-10-4

South Africa, Eastern Cape, Humansdorp: St. Francis Bay.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406461-0 Collector(s) & number: Muir, J, 1883 | 1914-12-

South Africa, Western Cape, ALBERTINIA; WASTE PLACES

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406469-0 Collector(s) & number: Acocks, JPH, 19817 | 1958-10-18

South Africa, Western Cape, CLANWILLIAM DIV.; GREYS PASS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0022337-1 Collector(s) & number: Forbes, HML, 1072 | 1932-12-

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban North.

General notes: In cultivated ground.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510105-0 Collector(s) & number: Lloyd, JW, 515 | 1985-11-8

South Africa, Western Cape, Robben Island. Northern part of the island north of airstrip.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406459-0 Collector(s) & number: Acocks, JPH, 14855 | 1948-9-20

South Africa, Western Cape, VAN RHYNSDORP DIV.; ZANDKRAAL

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0067601-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 8344 | 1969-1-19

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Shepstone. Skyline.

General notes: Weed in garden.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0060515-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 7903 | 1968-1-24

South Africa, Mpumalanga, Transvaal. Pilgrimsrest District. Mariepskop, flat polster on roadside.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0879130-0 Collector(s) & number: Bester, SP, 17651 | 2022-3-26

South Africa, Limpopo, Waterberg District. Kaingo Private Nature Reserve. Farm: Woodstock 161KQ. Skilderykrans. 24°02'53.92"S 27°48'13.59"E.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0022337-2 Collector(s) & number: Forbes, HML, 1072 | 1932-12-

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban North.

General notes: In cultivated ground.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406451-0 Collector(s) & number: Van der Schijff, HP, 4791 | 1959-12-3

South Africa, Mpumalanga, MARIEPSKOP DIST.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406468-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 4427 | 1962-11-28

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA DIV.; KEURBOOMS STRAND; VICINITY OF HOTEL TO MATJIESRIVIER

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510106-0 Collector(s) & number: Lloyd, JW, 543 | 1985-11-8

South Africa, Western Cape, Robben Island. Jan van Riebeeck's quarry on western edge of the island.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0880827-0 Collector(s) & number: Bester, S.P., 17015 | 2021-12-14

South Africa, Limpopo, Ellisras District. D'Nyala Nature Reserve. Farm: Leenie. Tambotie Lookout. Banks of Tambotierivier. 23°41'53.1'S 27°49'09.5'E.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406457-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 9264 | 1969-11-15

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, UVONGO; SKYLINE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0062108-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 8286 | 1968-8-14

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Shepstone District. St Michael-on Sea. Sky-line.

General notes: Weed in lawn border.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510100-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Jaarsveld, EJ, 3133 | 1977-1-27

South Africa, Western Cape, Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens. B14. (Cape Town)

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510107-0 Collector(s) & number: Nel, P, 50A | 1994-2-4

South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch. Devon Valley, Selinbas Farm. Meadow adjacent river. Lat: 33° 48' 18" Long 18° 48' 18"

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510104-0 Collector(s) & number: Walgate, M, 626 | 1943-10-6

South Africa, Western Cape, Robben Island

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510099-0 Collector(s) & number: Unknown, s.n. | --

South Africa, Western Cape, Knysna

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510108-0 Collector(s) & number: Lloyd, JW, 498 | 1985-11-7

South Africa, Western Cape, Robben Island. On the shelly sandy zone just below the high tide mark.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE1000519-0 Collector(s) & number: Baard, JA, 2124 | 2018-8-

South Africa, Western Cape, Knysna, Goudveld SF.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406452-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 7903 | 1968-1-24

South Africa, Mpumalanga, MARIEPSKOP

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406470-0 Collector(s) & number: Garside, S, 25095 | 1952-12-27

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE PENINSULA; MOWBRAY GARDENS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0405948-0 Collector(s) & number: Thode, J, s.n. | 1930-9-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, ENON

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0539427-0 Collector(s) & number: Nicholson, HB, 1891 | 1978-11-1

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, UVONGO BEACH

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0880830-0 Collector(s) & number: Bester, S.P., 17031 | 2021-12-14

South Africa, Limpopo, Ellisras District. D'Nyala Nature Reserve. Farm: Leenie. Tambotie Lookout. Banks of Tambotierivier. 23°41'53.1'S 27°49'09.5'E.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0778689-0 Collector(s) & number: Story, R, 4012 | 1951-1-19

South Africa, Eastern Cape, Alexandria District Bathurst

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406458-0 Collector(s) & number: Acocks, JPH, 9121 | 1942-9-20

South Africa, Eastern Cape, KEISKAMMAHOEK DIST.; BOMA PASS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0247657-0 Collector(s) & number: Lloyd, JW, 543 | 1985-11-8

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Peninsula District: Robben Island; Jan van Riebeek's quarry on Western edge of the island. Strandveld of West Coast.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1510101-0 Collector(s) & number: Froembling, W, 277 | 1897-11-20

South Africa, Western Cape, Lions Head, C.P. (cape Town)

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406454-0 Collector(s) & number: Lutjeharms, WJ, BLF 6048 | 1941-10-16

South Africa, Free State, BLOEMFONTEIN; COLLEGE GROUNDS NEAR MAIN BUILDING

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406464-0 Collector(s) & number: Tyson, W, 813 | 1881-1-

South Africa, Western Cape, HEX RIVER VALLEY

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0169617-0 Collector(s) & number: van Eck, H, 061 | 1996-4-13

South Africa, Western Cape, Bergriver. Sanddrift. Drift over Bergriver (downstream).

General notes: Acocks Veld Type: 69. Low Thicket. River bank. Moderate slope. Sandy soil. N aspect. Soil well-drained. White-yellow flowers. Height 0-10 cm. Growing flat on the ground.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406473-0 Collector(s) & number: Young, RGN, 301(7) | 1927-12-10

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE TOWN; WASTE LAND TO E OF TOWN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0800231-0 Collector(s) & number: Smith, CA, 4697 | 1927-10-31

South Africa, Western Cape, STELLENBOSCH; VAN DER STEL; NEXT TO RAILWAY LINE BEYOND VAN DER STEL

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0530224-0 Collector(s) & number: Nicholson, HB, 1883 | 1978-10-17

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH COAST; ST. MICHAEL'S-ON-SEA

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406471-0 Collector(s) & number: Lang, H, 6693 | 1926-1-

South Africa, Western Cape, DASSEN ISLAND

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0715357-0 Collector(s) & number: Shearing, DAMB, 1358 | 1986-11-27

South Africa, Cape Province, BEAUFORT WEST DIST.; LAYTON; RIETVLEI, CRACK ON HOUSE STOEP

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0025970-0 Collector(s) & number: Thode, HJ, A2657 | 1930-9-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, Enon.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0539025-0 Collector(s) & number: Giffen, MH, 1408 | 1943-3-11

South Africa, Eastern Cape, VICTORIA EAST; FORT BEAUFORT; ALICE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0541178-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 7171 | 1967-10-10

South Africa, Western Cape, BREDASDORP DIST.; BETW. ST. SEBASTIAN POINT & CAPE INFANTA

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0067600-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 9264 | 1969-11-15

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Skyline - Uvongo.

General notes: Grassland. Weed.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406463-0 Collector(s) & number: Flanagan, HG, 1186 | 1891-12-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, KOMGA

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0082017-0 Collector(s) & number: Nicholson, HB, 2418 | 1984-12-3

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Shepstone. Margate Townlands. Near Checkers Store on roadside.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0607753-0 Collector(s) & number: Orchard, ER, 526 | 1979-11-29

South Africa, Western Cape, CALEDON; HERMANUS; FERNKLOOF NAT.RES.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0242336-0 Collector(s) & number: Durand, BJ, 359 | 1978-1-5

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town District: Cecilia State Forest; Devil's Peak, Eastern buttress.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0839569-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Wyk, B-E, 1921 | 1986-12-14

South Africa, Eastern Cape, Zuurberg National Park: Heatherbrae.

General notes: Weed. White flowers. Common.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1568945-0 Collector(s) & number: Jardine, I., 3677 | 2022-11-24

South Africa, Western Cape, Knolfontein garden area, Swartrugens. 60 km NE of ceres.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1569190-0 Collector(s) & number: Jardine, I., 3677 | 2022-11-24

South Africa, Western Cape, Knolfontein garden area, Swartrugens. 60 km NE of ceres.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0073935-0 Collector(s) & number: Schrire, BD, 681 | 1981-12-2

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Pigeon Valley, Durban.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406455-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 8286 | 1968-8-14

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, ST. MICHAEL'S-ON-SEA; SKYLINE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0457736-0 Collector(s) & number: Liebenberg, LCC, 7246 | 1962-12-

South Africa, Western Cape, SWELLENDAM DIV.; BONTEBOK NAT. PARK

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0795291-0 Collector(s) & number: Smook, L, 8687 | 1993-10-6

South Africa, Western Cape, Touwsberg; Farm Doorn Boom NW side of mountain.

General notes: Main region transition zone between fynbos and succulent Karoo. Drier side with sand stone hills at base of mountain. Disturbed area at watering place and cultivated lands. Common on moist bank with Cynodon dactylon. FRD Touwsberg Expedition

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0406456-0 Collector(s) & number: Strey, RG, 8344 | 1969-1-19

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, SKYLINE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0260300-0 Collector(s) & number: Jordaan, M, 131 | 1974-10-27

South Africa, Western Cape, Caledon. Farm Rheezight, Onrusriver.

General notes: Prostrate herb. Weed growing on sandy soil. Green and white flowers, peduncle elongate with age.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Observation records

Date: 12/25/2017 10:53:00 AM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 11/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 11/27/2015 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 6/1/2017 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 12/26/2020 4:45:25 PM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 2/3/2021 4:03:07 PM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 12/14/2020 11:01:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 11/27/2020 1:02:00 PM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 8/2/2021 1:22:13 PM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 8/1/2021 3:47:20 PM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Plant occurence records per dataset

Plant occurence records per year

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

2019

SERIES CHAPTER

Caryophyllaceae Bredenkamp, CL

In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(1)757-767

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2017

SERIES CHAPTER

Caryophyllaceae Retief, E; Meyer, NL

In: E Retief & NL Meyer (eds), Plants of the Free State: Inventory and identification guide. Strelitzia 38: 450-457

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2013

SERIES CHAPTER

Caryophyllaceae Snijman, DA

In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 346-348

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2012

SERIES CHAPTER

Caryophyllaceae Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P

In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 459-462

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2007

PERIODICAL/JOURNAL

Polyphyly of Polycarpon (Caryophyllaceae) inferred form DNA sequence data Bengtson, A; Kool, A; Thulin, M

Taxon 56(3)775-782

1997

SERIES

Plants of the northern provinces of South Africa: Keys and diagnostic characters Retief, E; Herman, PPJ

Strelitzia 6: 1-681

National Botanical Institute, Pretoria

1991

BOOK

Énumération des Plantes à Fleurs d'Afrique Tropicale, Vol. 1 Lebrun, J-P; Stork, AL

Jardin Botanique, Geneva

1966

BOOK

Flora Palaestina Zohary, M

1759

BOOK

Caroli Linnaei: Systema naturae per regna tria naturae...Editio decima, reformata..., Vol. 2 Linnaeus (Linné), C von

Lars Salvius, Stockholm

No results found for Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.

No assessment available

Part(s) of plant used Use(s) Reference

Coming soon...