Soleirolia

Soleirolia soleirolii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Urticaceae
Genus:	Soleirolia
Species:	S. soleirolii
Binomial name
Soleirolia soleirolii (Req.) Dandy

Soleirolia soleirolii (pronounced /sɵˌliːəˈroʊliə sɵˌliːəˈroʊli.aɪ/,^[1] syn. Helxine soleirolii) is a plant in the nettle family. It has a number of common names, including baby's tears, angel's 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 should it be confused with Sagina subulata or Chondrus crispus, which are also 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 type of plants.

This species is native to the northern Mediterranean region 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.It can even grow submersed in swampy environments. 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.

This species, the only member of a monotypic genus,^[2] was named after Joseph-Francois Soleirol by Esprit Requien. Soleirol, an amateur botanist, originally collected the plant in Corsica.

Soleirolia soleirolii leaves

References

1. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
2. ^ Flora of North America

External links

• Media related to Soleirolia soleirolii at Wikimedia Commons