Viola cleistogamoides

Hidden Violet

Very small tufted perennial herb rooting at leaf nodes to form dense mat.

Additional information

• SynonymViola hederacea ssp. cleistogamoides
• FamilyViolaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• SizeProstrate-25 mm x 1 m
• Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
• LeavesLeaves are longer than broad, egg-shaped to rhombic, 5-15 mm x 3-10 mm, tapering to stalk, tip rounded, margins coarsely toothed.
• Flower colourCream with a purplish tinge towards the centre
• Flowering timeOctober to January
• FlowersSingle tiny drooping flowers on stalks shorter than leaves, 5-25 mm long.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsSeasonally wet on skeletal soils in woodland and dryer forests. Dappled shade.
• Garden useSmall matting plant for containers, ferneries or gardens. Suitable for growing amongst pavers in courtyards.
• Commercially availableNo information available
• Conservation statusScattered localities within the Shire where it may be locally common.
• Related speciesVery similar to Viola hederacea which is larger. Petals are violet and white, and 7-10 mm long (cf 2-3 mm) held above leaves on stalks to 17 cm. Leaves are wider than long, kidney-shaped with a heart-shaped base. Very small plants of V. cleistogamoides have been misidentified as Viola sieberiana, a species restricted to around Sydney.

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