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Pseuderanthemum variabile
Pseuderanthemum variabile, commonly known a "love flower", "pastel flower" and "night and afternoon", is an Australian native "gesneriad" (African violet relative) in the family Acanthaceae. Plants grow to about 30 cms high and provide good ground cover. Range is from southern NSW all the way to New Guinea. It is a relatively common butterfly-attracting native wildflower (see notes). Colours vary from blue, mauve, pink to white flowers, with five petals, and dark dots on the largest fifth petal. http://www.brisrain.org.au/01_cms/detail...
Toohey Forest is a remnant eucalyptus woodland reserve of approximately 655 hectares. The forest is situated within an urban area on the south side of Brisbane, within the city limits. Natural habitat of this species is the floor of rainforest or wet eucalyptus forest of northern and eastern Australia. This spotting was by the side of the walking track, in the riparian zone along one of the creeks. Usually moist and well-shaded area, covered with leaf and bark litter from large eucalypts and shrubs.
Love flower supports a number of butterflies, including: Australian leafwing, Australian rustic, varied eggfly, Danaid eggfly, blue-banded eggfly, and blue argus. Also, bearded dragons (lizard) eat the flowers.
Spotted on Feb 16, 2020
Submitted on Feb 21, 2020
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