Montia australasica

White Purslane

Terrestrial or aquatic perennial herb, rooting from leaf nodes, terrestrial plants densely tufted and carpeting, aquatics loose and open.

SynonymNeopaxia australasica, Claytonia australasica
FamilyMontiaceae (syn. Portulacaceae)
StoreyLower storey
Sizeprostrate - 3 cm x spreading
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesTerrestrial - narrow bright green to waxy leaves 1-4 cm x 1-3 mm on tuberous pinkish stems. Aquatic - longer to 12 cm x 5 mm. Leaves stem-clasping.
Flower colourWhite to pale pink
Flowering timeOctober to January
Flowers1-4 flowers in terminal clusters on long erect stalks 4-50 mm long which curve down in fruit.
Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsWet soil in permanent or winter wet swamps or aquatic in slow moving watercourses. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useExcellent groundcover for permanently moist margins of water areas.
Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites where it may be abundant.