Brunoniella australis

Family Acanthaceae

Herb 2–15 cm high with clusters of tuberous roots joined by underground rhizome. Leaf surface with cystoliths - mineral concentration usually of calcium carbonate. Longevity indefinite.

Flowers: Purple, less than 20 mm diameter from October - April. Some flowers possibly self-pollinated.

Fruit: Capsule 10–16 mm long that splits in half at maturity releasing 8–12 seeds, matures November–December.

Seed: Flattened dark brown seed 2 x 2 mm . Germinates readily under a variety of temperature conditions. No specialised dispersal mechanism, seed dispersed locally by gravity. Seeds predated by small midges.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Common plant in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden in full sun to shady positions.
• Spread by underground rhizome.
• Good indicator of remnant woodland sites.
• Resprouting at ground level after fire, probably forming localised patches.
• Probably dependent on fire to remove competition from taller species.
• May flower within a month of fire.