Australian violet (Viola hederacea, Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 66 (1805))

Family: Violaceae

Author: Labill.

Bibliography: Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 66 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. & SE. Australia, New Zealand North I.

Description

The Australian violet, scientifically known as Viola hederacea, is a charming perennial plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. First described by Labillardière in 1805 in his publication “Nov. Holl. Pl. 1: 66,” this delightful plant is native to Eastern and Southeastern Australia, as well as the North Island of New Zealand.

This violet is characterized by its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and dainty, five-petaled flowers that present a beautiful blend of white and purple hues. The flowers bloom year-round in mild climates, adding a serene and elegant touch to gardens and natural landscapes.

Viola hederacea typically thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas, often found carpeting forest floors or along moist, well-drained soil. Its cascading growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover, and it can often be seen extending across garden beds or spilling over the edges of containers.

Gardeners appreciate the Australian violet for its low maintenance needs and resilience. It is also valued for its role in attracting pollinators such as bees, contributing to the health and biodiversity of garden ecosystems.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Australian violet is a symbol of the rich botanical diversity of its native regions, providing a touch of grace and natural beauty wherever it is cultivated. This versatile and enchanting plant continues to be a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscapers alike.

Common Names

Eng: australian violet, creeping violet, ivy-leaf violet, trailing violet
En: Australian violet, Creeping violet, Trailing violet, Ivy-leaf violet, Ivy-leaved Violet
Fa: بنفشه بی‌روح

Synonyms

• Erpetion hederaceum ((Labill.) Sweet)
• Viola hederacea var. genuina (Domin)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by eliasdep (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Charlotte Murch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by S Ramsay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2021 by Max Mit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by j b (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Lucas Blaton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by eliasdep (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by Monika McIntyre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Regina wish (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Feb 28, 2020 by peter.banksii (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by gilst2002 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7296375)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:868284-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola hederacea Labill.)

Specifications

Growth