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Viola banksii*
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.
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.
* An almost identical species is Viola hederacea, the "Australian violet", my second choice for spotting ID.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_hede... Small variations in shape and colour only.
Spotted on Mar 9, 2021
Submitted on Mar 16, 2021
2 Comments
There's been a big push towards native gardens in recent years, particularly for plants that are drought tolerant. Lush, green cottage gardens are beautiful, but can suffer badly in our climate. Aussie natives are awesome and would be my first preference, but then, I am biased. Some non-natives are ok though, particularly if they're food trees for wildlife.
It is wonderful to know that Australian gardens incorporate NATIVE! species!!! very beautiful violet!
My front yard is violets every spring! they are native and the arrived when i stopped mowing! I use a weed whacker you can walk using it to trim what ever plant height you want and tread litely on the earth!