False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata)

FamilyAsteraceae
Scientific nameEclipta prostrata
Common name (English)False Daisy
Common name (Malay)Maka Botol
Identified asPioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Eclipta prostrata (false daisy) is a small, creeping herb in the Asteraceae family, widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It has opposite green leaves and produces small, white, daisy-like flower heads. Commonly found in moist soils, roadsides, and fields, it is often regarded as a weed but is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, Chinese, and folk remedies, for liver health, hair growth, and wound healing. In addition to its medicinal uses, it also supports pollinators and contributes to local biodiversity.