DICHONDRA

also called Lawn-leaf, any of several species of low, creeping plants of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) that are used in warm climates as grass substitutes. The plants are from 2 1/2 to 8 cm (1 to 3 inches) high and spread by runners. D. carolinensis, native to southeastern North America, is so similar to the Old World D. repens that it is sometimes given as D. repens variety carolinensis. Its round, bright-green leaves, indented where they join the long stalks, are 2 cm broad.