Hydrocotyle algida

Mountain Pennywort

Creeping moderately hairy mat-forming perennial herb, rooting at leaf nodes.

FamilyAraliaceae (revised from Apiaceae)
StoreyLower storey
Sizeprostrate x spreading
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesKidney-shaped erect green leaves 4-33 mm across with scalloped edges and 3-7 lobes, prominently veined above, paler below with sunken veins; hairy stalk 0.5-8 cm long.
Flower colourGreenish-white
Flowering timeDecember to February
FlowersTight round cluster to 3.5 mm wide of 10-15 shortly stalked tiny flowers, on a stalk 1-7 cm long.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist soil amongst rocks, in moss or in moving water in subalpine woodlands. Snow tolerant. Partial to full shade.
Garden useGround cover for cool moist shady areas.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites where it can be common. More common outside the Shire boundary.