Botanical name: Richardia brasiliensis
Common Names
Mexican clover, Brazil pusley, Tropical Richardia
Mexican clover is a low-growing perennial broadleaf weed found throughout Australia, particularly in warm climates. It is increasingly common in Western Australia, especially in lawns, pathways, garden edges, and compacted urban soils.
This weed forms dense, spreading mats that grow close to the ground, allowing it to avoid mowing and persist in maintained turf. It thrives in warm, moist conditions and is highly tolerant of compacted soils, making it a common issue in high-traffic areas.
Leaves are small, oval-shaped, and slightly hairy, arranged opposite each other along creeping stems. Mexican clover produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that form in clusters and are often visible throughout the warmer months.
It spreads by both seed and creeping stems, enabling rapid colonisation of thin or stressed turf areas. Its ability to establish in difficult conditions makes it a persistent and competitive weed once established.
Similar Species
White clover (Trifolium repens), Gomphrena (Gomphrena celosioides)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS:
Warm-season lawns and thinning turf areas: Use a selective broadleaf herbicide such as Apparent Bow and Arrow to control Mexican clover while preserving turf. Also use pre-emergent such as Spartan Herbicide for prevention
Compacted soils and high-traffic areas (e.g. pathways, lawn edges): Apply Apparent Salvo to actively growing plants and address soil compaction to reduce recurrence
Garden edges and disturbed soil zones: Use Apparent Salvo to prevent further spread and seed development
References:
https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/mexican-clover
https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/richardia_brasiliensis.htm
