Schenkia australis
Spiked Centaury
Erect, often greyish, annual herb, branching above 3rd to 5th pair of leaves.
Additional information
- SynonymCentaurium spicatum
- FamilyGentianaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size4-40 cm high
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesStalkless pairs of lance-shaped to elliptic leaves, broader towards tip, 10-25 mm x 3-6 mm, decreasing in size towards and within flower head. If present, basal rosette withers early.
- Flower colourPink to magenta
- Flowering timeNovember to March
- FlowersSimple or branched leafy spike of small tubular flowers.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWet, seasonally inundated soils and wet verges of water areas. Full sun to semi shade.
- Garden usePlant in drifts in bog areas and edges of pools and dams.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Scattered throughout Victoria.
- Related speciesOften confused with an introduced species, Centaurium erythraea or Common Centaury, which is very common. It is biennial and has a prominent basal leaf rosette at flowering. Flowers are carried on paired branches. Some occurrences of Spiked Centaury may also be introduced.
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Photographer/s: Chris Lindorff, NatureShare ©
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