About Mollugo verticillata L.
Carpetweed, scientifically named Mollugo verticillata L., has narrow whorled leaves, with 3 to 8 leaves growing at each node. Mature plants may lose their characteristic basal rosette shape. Leaves are roughly 1 to 3 cm long, obovate in shape, and their leaf apex can range from rounded to acute. This plant has a prostrate growth habit, sprawling across soil to form mats. Its flowers typically grow in clusters of 2 to 5, and bloom between July and September. The flowers are white or greenish-white, and grow on tiny stalks 5 to 15 mm long. Flowers quickly develop into egg-shaped fruits that measure 1.5 to 4 mm in length. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule that opens when it reaches maturity. Seeds are 0.5 mm long, and range in color from red to rusty brown. Mollugo verticillata has a very wide distribution, found across North America, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America, Eurasia and Africa. Multiple studies agree that this species originated in New World tropics before spreading into more temperate regions, but overall its origin has been credited to the tropics or subtropics of both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is commonly found in warm and/or wet environments across North America. Along with other members of the genus Glinus in the family Molluginaceae, Mollugo species are edible, and have historically been used as vegetables or for medicinal benefits. The family Molluginaceae has been studied for its therapeutic properties, because its members produce triterpene saponins and flavonoids. One study has indicated that ethanolic extracts of Mollugo verticillata could act as a potential immunomodulator. In general, the chemical composition of species in the family Molluginaceae has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
