Wahlenbergia gracilis

Family Campanulaceae

Australian Bluebell

Tufted short-lived herb, 5 – 80 cm high, with thickened taproot. Longevity less than 3 years.

Flowers: Blue, at any time of year, except mid winter. Flowers noted to open in afternoons, closed mornings.

Fruit: Capsule, 2.5 – 7 mm long, with numerous seeds.

Seed:  Oval, reddish-brown, 0.3 mm long. Locally dispersed.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland habitat, light–mid-shade.
• Common along tracks in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Seedlings noted in burnt and unburnt areas after rain.
• Mature plants resprout after fire.