Native Violet

~ Viola hederacea ~

VIOLACEAE

Native Violets are quite widespread – you might just find some wandering about in your backyard, especially the very common and similar species Viola banksii if you’re in the Meanjin (Brisbane) region. You may find birds foraging throughout the foliage looking for the insects that have made the ground cover their habitat. If you are fortunate enough to find yourself with Native Violet scrambling around your ankles, the flowers can be picked and candied for a deliciously adorable treat. You can also make Violet syrup for drinks and use the petals as cake decorations or in salads.

WHERE TO LOOK

An east coast resident wandering from lutruwita (Tasmania), to Victoria, up through the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales and onwards to the south of Queensland, it enjoys shady areas and will joyfully grow in most soils. It prefers the company of Native Ferns, Grasses, Sundews, Lilies and many species of Acacias.

Locations → Queensland: Dalrymple Creek in Main Range National Park, Currumbin Valley and Springbrook National Park; NSW: Moonee Beach Nature Reserve; Victoria: Dandenong Ranges, Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve and Wright Forest Bushland Reserve.

FEATURES

This delicate wandering ground cover has heart-shaped to round leaves about 3cm wide. Flowers are white and purple and spring up among the leaves on thin, soft stems 10cm tall.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring to autumn → Flowers can be seen most of the year but are more prolific in warmer months.

TRADITIONAL USES

The Koori Coast Living Knowledge website states that the leaves can be used to help alleviate arthritis symptoms.

PLANTING

You can pluck some of the runners from a generous neighbour and replant them, or grab seeds or tube stock from most nurseries. Plant in a shady spot and keep soil moist. It will enjoy most soil types, and is perfect for those wanting a cute, edible lawn alternative.