Mind-Your-Own-Business is a
non-native invasive
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in urban areas, lawns and damp ground, to a mature height of up to 5cm.
Mind-Your-Own-Business was introduced into the UK in the early twentieth century from the Mediterranean and exists in the wild as an 'escape'. It has numerous minute rounded leaves and separate male and female flowers, which are borne on the same plant. Both flower forms are without petals. The male flowers are larger than the leaves and have four white stamens with prominent anthers, forming a cross. The female flowers are smaller than the leaves and have 'tassels' of pinkish-white styles.
Botanic classification and naming: Mind-Your-Own-Business is a member of the Nettle (Urticaceae) family. The genus name
'Soleirolia' identifies the plant as a Mind-Your-Own-Business and its species name 'soleirolii' means 'named after collector Soleirol'.
Concerns: Mind-Your-Own-Business is also known as 'Mother of Thousands', reflecting its invasive spreading growth habit. It grows easily from fragments and can be difficult to control and eradicate, especially from damp shady areas.
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