West Indian chickweed, Tropical chickweed
Drymaria cordata

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It climbs or creeps along the ground. It has branches that divide in two. It often forms a dense ground cover. The stems form roots at the nodes. The leaves are small, opposite and heart shaped. The leaves are 0.8-2 cm long by 0.5-2 cm wide. The flowers are small and white. The are in twice branched heads at the ends of the stems. The fruit is a capsule. It splits to release small seeds.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in damp shaded sites, often near streams or under shrubs, disturbed areas between 200–1900(–2400) m altitude in China. It grows in wetlands. It grows in Nepal between 2200-4300 m altitude. In Tanzania it grows between 900-2,700 m above sea level. It grows in open areas. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Central Africa, Central America, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Japan, Indonesia, Lesser Antilles, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, New Caledonia, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Venezuela, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are also eaten in salads. They are also used for drinks. The shoots can be stored for 4-5 days.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Leaves can be collected all year round in damp places.

Its other names

Local names

Abhijalo, Abijalo, Anantsaritaka, Berro cimarron, Chimjera, Dalokshal, Erva-de-jaboti, He lian dou cao, Jaboticaa, Jabshri, Jabsri, Kur-vengso, Lai jabori, Laijabri, Lengua de pajaro, Linyolo, Lugulashili, Mibnonette, Petit quinine, Piki fowroesopo, Sadhab, Samsang-karing, Samsithalap, Shirapi kiyan, Sisente, Timignonette, Ukiko, Yurak shullu

Synonyms

Holosteum cordatum Linnaeus; Drymaria cordata subsp. diandra (Blume) J. A. Duke; Drymaria diandra Blume;