Soleirolia soleirolii
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Soleirolia soleirolii (Req.) Dandy |
The plant Soleirolia soleirolii (syn. Helxine soleirolii) of the nettle family has a number of common names, including baby tears, angel tears, mind-your-own-business, peace-in-the-home, pollyanna vine, mother of thousands, and the Corsican curse. It has also been called Irish moss. However, it is not a moss, nor is it related to the red alga commonly known as Irish moss. It is a delicate-looking creeping herb with juicy bright green or yellow leaves and multitudes of tiny white flowers. It grows close to the ground in mats and is sometimes used in ornamental gardens alongside ferns and other moisture-loving plants.
This species is native to the northern Mediterranean in and around Italy and nearby islands, but it has been introduced and cultivated nearly worldwide as an ornamental and garden plant. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant and used in habitats for amphibians. It prefers shade and moderate moisture. In colder regions the plant dies back during winter, but it returns with lush growth as the temperature increases. It is capable of vegetative reproduction, so once it has become established in an area, the entire plant must be removed, or else it can sprout new growth. It is a common weed in many places. Nurseries grow several varieties, including gold, yellow, and white breeds, but the mossy-green type is most popular with gardeners.
