Polycarpon prostratum

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seed. The stems are woody at the base. It grows 10-25 cm tall and can be lying over. The leaves are oval or spoon shaped and 5-15 mm long by 2-3 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on open sands and farmland. In southern China it grows between 300-1,500 m above sea level. It grows in damp places and on the edge of ponds. It can be in rice fields. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Gabon, India, Mozambique, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bangima, Bongima, Bwkhate, Byaing-che, Gima sak

Synonyms

Alsine prostrata Forssk.; Arenaria prostrata (Forssk.) Ser.; Lepigonum prostratum Kindb.; Loeflingia indica Retz.; Pharnaceum depressum L.; Polycarpa prostrata (Forssk.) Kuntze; Polycarpaea prostrata (Forssk.) Decne.; Polycarpon depressum Rohrb.; Polycarpon glaucifolium A. Chev.; Polycarpon indicum (Retz.) Merr.; Polycarpon loeflingii Wight & Arn. ex Benth.; Robbairea prostrata (Forssk.) Boiss.; Spergula prostrata (Forssk.) D. Dietr.; Spergularia prostrata (Forssk.) G. Don;