Opercularia diphylla

Family Rubiaceae

Spreading subshrub to 30 cm high, with numerous branches from one short main stem; leaves pungent-smelling. Taproot 4 mm diameter to 3 mm long. Longevity 5–20 years.

Flowers: Purple, October.

Fruit: Compound capsule 2–5 mm diameter with up to 40 seeds, September – January.

Seed: Transversely wrinkled and pitted.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Open woodland habitat.
• Localised populations in Ironbark woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Often heavily grazed by rabbits.
• Killed by fire.