Desmodium varians

Slender Tick-trefoil

Twining prostrate or scrambling perennial herb with short hairs on weak branches.

FamilyFabaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.2-0.5 m long
Plant groupingClimbers & creepers
LeavesLightly hairy to hairless leaves divided into 3 leaflets, lower leaves broad to roundish, 5-20 mm x 5-20 mm, tips blunt; upper leaves oblong, 1-4 cm x 5-8 mm, tips pointed. Small leaf-like stipules at base of leaves.
Flower colourWhite to yellowish
Flowering timeMost of the year esp. spring to autumn
FlowersLarge, loose terminal sprays to 25 cm long of 4-60 pea flowers, in pairs or 3's. Pods densely hairy.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in open forests. Dappled and semi shade.
Garden useA light twiner which can be planted under established trees or on a sheltered trellis.
Commercially availableNo information available
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Also uncommon outside the Shire boundary.