Poranthera microphylla

Family Euphorbiaceae

Low, diffuse, glabrous ephemeral herb to 15 cm high. Longevity less than one year.

Flowers: White – pink, separate male and female flowers on same plant (monoecious), August–February.

Fruit: Capsule 1.5–2 mm diameter.

Seed: Both ballistic and ant-adapted dispersal mechanism. Soil-stored seedbank.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland habitat in mid shade to full sun.
• Rare in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Seedlings noted in burnt area after rain.
• Killed by fire.