Dichondra J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.
Dichondra counts ca. 15 species in the tropical and warm-temperate regions of the world (Mabberley 2008, Felger & al. 2012). At least two species are economically important. D. micrantha Urb. is widely grown as groundcover or as a substitute for lawn grasses, especially in warm-temperate areas. It then easily escapes and is often considered a troublesome weed. A second species, D. argentea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., is a relative newcomer in horticulture. In recent years it is sometimes grown as an ornamental, also in Belgium. Both species have been recorded in Belgium in recent times.
1. Leaves with upper surface green and glabrous === Dichondra micrantha
1. Leaves silvery on upper surface, sericeous === D. argentea
Literature
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Falcao J.I. de A. (1974) As espécies brasileiras do gênero Dichondra Forster (Convolvulaceae). Rodriguesia 27(39): 135-141. [available online at: http://rodriguesia.jbrj.gov.br/FASCICULOS/Revistas%20escaneadas%20pela%2...
Felger R.S., Austin D.F., Van Devender T.R. & Sanchez-Escalante J.J. (2012) Convolvulaceae of Sonora, Mexico, I. Convolvulus, Cressa, Dichondra, Evolvulus, Ipomoea, Jacquemontia, Merremia, and Operculina. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 6(2): 457-525. [available online at: http://cals.arizona.edu/herbarium/sites/alienplantsbelgium.becals.arizon...
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Johnston M.C. (1963) The geography of the five Texas species of Dichondra (Convolvulaceae). Wrightia 1: 252-253.
Mabberley D.J. (2008) Mabberley’s plant-book (3th ed.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: XVIII + 1021 p.
Tharp B.C. & Johnston M.C. (1961) Recharacterization of Dichondra (Convolvulaceae) and a revision of the North American species. Brittonia 13: 346-360.