Aphelia pumilio

Dwarf Aphelia

Tiny tufted annual herb.

FamilyCentrolepidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size10-30 mm high
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesNarrow leaves to 20 mm long.
Flower colourPale green
Flowering timeSeptember to November
FlowersErect, flattened spike-like flowerhead to 6 mm. 6-12 hairy primary bracts with tapering tips. 2 lowest bracts longer, 4-5 mm. Male flowers below, female above, both surrounded by secondary bracts.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsSeasonally wet areas or shallow water in moist heathy woodland. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useA tiny plant for water areas.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from a single location. More common outside the Shire boundary.
Related speciesDistinguished by a smaller spike, to 3 mm, turned to the side. The lowest primary bract is much longer.