FAMILY: ASTERACEAE
As usual in our fortunate part of the world, signs of spring appear almost as soon as the signs of autumn have gone.
Trees are bursting into new leaf, birds are looking around for mates, and little daisies are starting to open their bright eyes.
We have so many native daisies, that it can be difficult to identify them all. This one, however, is distinctive, with it’s unmistakable leaf shape, and its (relatively) large mauve flowers.
A plant of eucalypt woodland on light, well-drained soil (such as at the Bunya Mountains), it could make a useful, ankle-high ground-cover.
It prefers to grow in dappled shade, and where there is not too much competition from other plants.
It is commercially available (in several colour forms), but it may be difficult to buy plants of local provenance.
Once established, this is a plant that would need little care, resisting both drought and light frost.
I think we have this one growing here, in our unused vegie garden. I have never been sure on it's identification, so will have another look and check if it is the same one. The lilac flowers are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Judi
ReplyDeleteI hope you have it - but if not, you may have some other lovely native daisy. Lucky you, having it pop up uninvited!
Trish