Turkey Tangle Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)

FamilyVerbenaceae
Scientific namePhyla nodiflora
Common name (English)Turkey Tangle Frogfruit
Common name (Malay)/
Identified asPioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Phyla nodiflora, commonly known as turkey tangle frogfruit, is a low-growing, creeping perennial herb in the Verbenaceae family. Native to the Americas but widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions, it typically forms dense mats in lawns, gardens, and moist open areas. Recognized for its small, purple-tipped flowers and spreading stems, the plant has been used in traditional herbal practices for its mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.