Levenhookia sonderi

Slender Stylewort

Slender ephemeral (short-lived) herb with green stems and leaves, unbranched or branched near base.

FamilyStylidiaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size2-6 cm high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesFew scattered round glandular leaves 1-2 mm x 1-3 mm, shortly stalked, becoming stalkless up the stem.
Flower colourWhite or pink with purple labellum
Flowering timeAugust to December
FlowersCluster of 3-6 tubular flowers to 4 mm long at the end of the stem; 4 rounded petals, 5th petal modified into a hood-shaped labellum (lip) on a non-moving column which assists with pollination. Rounded calyx glandular-hairy.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsSeasonally moist depressions. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useUnlikely to survive in a garden situation because it its tiny size but worth trying in containers which are kept moist.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Endemic to Victoria.
Related speciesLevenhookia dubia may occur in or near the Shire. Its main distinguishing features are its red leaves and stems, white flowers with a yellow throat and pale pink labellum.