Gonocarpus humilis

Gonocarpus humilis is a common small herb in the genus Gonocarpus of the family Haloragaceae. Widespread down the east coast of Australia within moist locations in shaded positions.[1] Common names include Shade Raspwort. Leaves have a rough and scabrous surface as indicated in the common name raspwort.[2]

Gonocarpus humilis
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Haloragaceae
Genus: Gonocarpus
Species:
G. humilis
Binomial name
Gonocarpus humilis
Orchard
Atlas of living Australia distribution

Description

A variable monoecious perennial herb to 50cm tall.[1] Ranges from erect to prostrate or semiprostrate, with stems up to 70cm.[2] Stems are ribbed, hairy or rough with spreading hairs that are warty at the base. Flowers are yellow-green, with 4 hooded petals and stamens each, 0.8–1.5 mm (0.031–0.059 in) long. Leaves are opposite and decussate with toothed margins 10–20 mm (0.39–0.79 in) long, 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) wide and shortly petiolate with a scabrous surface.[3] The fruit is a silver-grey to purplish nut, oval in shape 1–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) long. It has 8 ribs with two to three hard protrusions between them. [4]

Distribution

Widespread down the east coast of Australia, occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Also occurs in Kangaroo Island.[5]

Habitat

Commonly found throughout a variety of habitats in moist or boggy patches in shady locations.[6] Habitat is variable depending on location, it is primarily found in coastal regions in most states, accept for Tasmania and Victoria where it is widespread, occurring from the coast through to inland regions. [7] [8]

Distinguishing from similar species

Commonly mistaken for G. tetragynus it can be distinguished by inflorescence, the flowers are alternate and sparse, bracts are also smaller and distinctly different from the leaves. Its habit is also lax rather than erect .[9] [10] It also has four stamens instead of 8 and lacks white, appressed hairs. Site moisture can also be an indicator, G. tetragynus prefers dryer conditions.

Cultivation

Rarely found in cultivation.[11]

References
  1. "Flora of Victoria". vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  2. "Fact sheet for Gonocarpus humilis". www.flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  3. "PlantNET - FloraOnline". plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  4. "Gonocarpus humilis". apps.lucidcentral.org. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  5. Australia, Atlas of Living. "Species: Gonocarpus humilis (Shade Raspwort)". bie.ala.org.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  6. "Yarra Ranges Local Plant Directory". www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  7. "PlantNET - FloraOnline". plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  8. Australia, Atlas of Living. "Species: Gonocarpus humilis (Shade Raspwort)". bie.ala.org.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  9. "Key to Tasmanian Dicots". www.utas.edu.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  10. "Flora of Victoria". vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  11. "SGAP". apswarrnambool.org.au. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
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