Native Violet
Viola banksii*
-33.7612, 151.068
Field Notes
Description:
Viola banksii, commonly known as "native violet", is an Australian native of the family Violaceae, and is only one of a small handful of native violet species in this country. That being said, Viola Banksii is a popular species, and is widespread in cultivation in both native and mixed gardens. This is a herbaceous plant of prostrate habit, spreading by layering stems. The bright green leaves are kidney-shaped and about 15 - 25 mm in diameter. Purple and white flowers appear singly on stems about 150 mm high and occur throughout the warmer parts of the year. Fun fact - Viola banksii was originally collected by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander at Botany Bay in 1770.
Habitat:
Found in native bushland along Devlins Creek, in northwest Sydney. This spotting was growing amongst native ferns and grasses beneath eucalyptus trees. Blackbutts, Sydney turpentines, and large red gum and blue gums overshadow the area. A well-shaded area, and lush due to recent rains.
Notes:
* An almost identical species is Viola hederacea, the "Australian violet", my second choice for spotting ID.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_hederacea Small variations in shape and colour only.
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