Common: Dwarf Asiatic dewflower
M spirata is native to the Indian sub-continent, naturalized in many parts of the globe. The plant is an annual that grows to around 7 cm in height. The plant has intermittent white long hairs on its stem. The plant spreads around by rooting at nodes. The plant is not entirely prostrate and often seen ascending. M spirata prefers habitats which are shady and moist. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner the leaf margin is entire. The base of the leaf is cordate and completely clasping on the stem with the help of a whitish strap. The leaf is ovate-lanceolate in shape with an acute apex. The leaf measure around 3.2 cm in length and the leaf across measure 1.4 cm. The inflorescence is a terminal cyme. The flowers are very small measuring around 5 mm across and is light purple in color. The flower has 3 florescent staminodes and three hairy stamens. The 3 petals are round. The calyx consists of three elements boat shaped. The fruit is in the form of a beaked capsule.
