Bodeka

(Glinus oppositifolius)

Bodeka (Glinus oppositifolius)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 13" - 76"
High Temp. 87°F - 101°F
Low Temp. 45°F - 70°F

Summary

Glinus oppositifolius, commonly known as Bodeka, Sweet Glinus, Makulu-Kulu, Nienie, or Slender Carpetweed, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, riverbanks, and disturbed areas in Africa, Asia, and Australia. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters), forming a sprawling mat. The plant features succulent stems and opposite leaves, with white or yellow flowers that are small but can be quite numerous, blooming profusely in the summer and fall. The flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon.

Sweet Glinus is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to various soil types. It is used as a ground cover in some regions and has traditional medicinal uses, including as a treatment for inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, thriving in medium-draining clay or loam soils. While it can be a useful plant, Glinus oppositifolius is known to spread aggressively outside its native range, and gardeners should be cautious about introducing it to new areas. It can outcompete native vegetation and is particularly problematic in wetland and riparian zones.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, riverbanks, and disturbed areas in Africa, Asia, and Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Glinus, Makulu-Kulu, Nienie, Slender Carpetweed, Tokwakuna, Oppositeleaf Carpetweed

Scientific Names: Glinus oppositifolius, Glinus denticulatus, Glinus mollugo, Glinus mollugo var. natalensis, Glinus oppositifolius var. parviflorus, Glinus spergula, Glinus spergula, Mollugo denticulata, Mollugo erecta

GBIF Accepted Name: Glinus oppositifolius