353B-2-Viola-betonicifolia-RH.jpg

Viola betonicifolia ssp. betonicifolia

Showy Violet

Erect tufted perennial herb.

Additional information

  • FamilyViolaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size15 cm x 30 cm
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesBasal rosette of dark green oblong to lance-shaped leaves 20-70 mm x 15-25 mm with rounded tip and entire to slightly scalloped margins. Stalk 2-15 cm long.
  • Flower colourPurple
  • Flowering timeSeptember to February
  • FlowersSingle large flowers to 20 mm wide held erect on stalks 5-28 cm long. Lower petal has a short broad spur.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsVariable from moist to dry soils, in lowland stony woodlands to moist alpine herbfields. Frost and snow tolerant. Semi-shade to full sun.
  • Garden useWell displayed flowers are attractive drifted through a small garden. Will self seed but is not invasive.
  • Commercially availableRarely
  • Conservation statusRestricted distribution within the Shire. More widespread especially to the east. Possibly occurs in Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest and Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest.

Photo Gallery

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1 Viola betonicifolia

(JPG, 238KB)
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2 Viola betonicifolia

(JPG, 279KB)
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3 Viola betonicifolia

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Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Richard Hartland ©

Plant Communities

  • 04 Alpine Ash Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
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