Xanthosia leiophylla

Parsley Xanthosia

Tufted or scrambling to weakly erect perennial herb or subshrub.

FamilyApiaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 15 cm high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesLeaves mostly basal on stalks 2-12 cm long. Dark green leaves 10-50 mm x 10-50 mm, finely divided 2-3 times, final segments egg-shaped.
Flower colourReddish
Flowering timeSeptember to December
FlowersClusters of tiny male or bisexual flowers on long stalks to 40 mm long, opposite leaves; cluster branched 2-4 times, 3-6 flowers per branch, often 1-3 stalkless flowers at base of branching stalks.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to well drained heathy woodland. Semi shade.
Garden useRelatively insignificant herb which can be grown amongst other small herbs.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Recorded at one known site within the Shire, disjunct from other populations in Victoria.
Related speciesVery similar to Xanthosia dissecta, growing in drier habitats. Flower clusters on X. dissecta have 2 branches of 1-3 flowers. Flowering stalk is shorterer. Flowers are all bisexual.