Additional information

• FamilyRubiaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size5-25 cm x 5-30 cm
• Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
• LeavesPairs of stalkless, hairy, narrow to egg-shaped pointy leaves 3-18 mm x 1.5-6 mm scattered along stems, margins strongly curved down.
• Flower colourGreen or purple
• Flowering timeJune to March
• FlowersDense hemispherical clusters of 2-7 tiny tubular flowers, terminal and in upper axils.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in heathy forests. Semi-shade to dappled shade.
• Garden useLeaves have an unpleasant smell when crushed. Grow under trees amongst grasses and herbs in moist conditions.
• Commercially availableNever
• Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
• Related speciesOpercularia ovata is smaller than O. varia, densely sprawling with light green glossy oval leaves. It prefers moister soils.

Photo Gallery

Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©

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Plant Communities

25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)	29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)	38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)	17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)	13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)	22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)	19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)	18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)	21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)