Purpletop Vervain

Description:

Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as purpletop vervain (plus a variety of other names around the world), belongs to the family Verbenaceae, which also included invasive lantana. It is native to tropical South America. This is a tall and slender-stemmed perennial that can grow up to 2 metres. Mauve coloured flowers form in clusters located on terminal and auxiliary stems, and leaves are about 10 cms long and have a toothed margin. The species self-seeds readily and takes full advantage of favourable habitats. Outside of a cultivated garden environment, in this country it is classified as a weed. The only species of Verbena native to Australia is V. gaudichaudii.

Habitat:

Spotted along the Racecourse Creek Track in Girraween National Park, southeast Queensland. This plant was growing in cracks outside the old stone cottage, on the slopes of a granite monolith. Surrounding bush dry sclerophyll forest with sandy granite soils, rocky location with accumulated leaf litter. Still damp from recent rain. I've not noticed this species anywhere else in the park. Here's some park info - http://www.rymich.com/girraween/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girraween_...