Ranunculus lappaceus

Family Ranunculaceae

Common Buttercup, Australian Buttercup

Erect perennial herb to 60 cm, with radiating thick roots 1 mm, diameter 7 cm long. Longevity 5 - 25 years.

Flowers: Bright yellow, October – March. Possibly water pollinated like some other Ranunculus species.

Fruit: Head of 20–50 green–black achenes, October–June.

Seed: 2–4 mm long. Dormant. No specialised dispersal mechanism, seeds dispersed locally.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Grassland and woodland habitat in partial shade and in moist areas.
• Infrequent in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Seedlings noted after rain but died before establishment.
• Resprouts after fire.