Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Coastal areas of New South Wales and South East Queensland |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Temperate |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Prostrate creeping herb to 10cm tall, forming dense mats via trailing stolons |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves reniform (kidney shaped), bright green. |
| Flowers | Flowers white with purple center |
| Taxonomy | This species has been circulated in the horticultural trade for sometime, being misidentified as Viola hederacea till recent studies showed that plants in trade were not the true Viola hederacea. The species in trade has since been assigned a new name, as Viola banksii. |
| Etymology | Named after Sir Joseph Banks, who together with Daniel Solander, collected this species at Botany Bay in 1770. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | In its native habitat, this species grows in cool, moist areas. It is not suitable for growing outdoors under local conditions as it does not tolerate high heat & humidity. It can be grown rather successfully indoors, in offices and air conditioned environments, as long as it is given a brightly lit position, and if the media is not allowed to dry out completely. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stolon / Runner |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30593 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4902 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |