Trigastrotheca pentaphylla, also known by its synonym Mollugo pentaphylla and commonly called “five-leaved carpetweed,” is a small annual herbaceous plant native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of tropical Asia and the Pacific. It typically grows just 10–20 cm tall, with slender, four-angled stems that branch near the base. The leaves are wedge-shaped, thick, and fleshy, arranged alternately, oppositely, or in whorls of three to five leaflets. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, the plant features small greenish-white flowers clustered in the leaf axils and produces nearly spherical seed capsules that split open to release many dark, textured seeds.

As an adaptable annual, Trigastrotheca pentaphylla thrives in open, sandy or gravelly soils and is commonly found in cultivated fields, rocky outcrops, and grasslands from sea level up to about 2,300 meters. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and tolerates dry, nutrient-poor conditions. While not typically cultivated for ornamental purposes, the plant is occasionally used in traditional diets, with both leaves and flowers considered edible in some regions. Due to its small size and spreading habit, it may be suitable for groundcover in tropical gardens, though its rapid growth and weedy nature should be taken into account when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0