Citation: Labill., Nov. Holl. Pl. Sp. 1:39, t. 53 (1.805).

Synonymy: Haloragis tetragyna (Labill.)Hook. f., Fl. Nov. Zel. 1:62 (1852).

Common name: Common raspwort.

Description:
Erect or ascending perennial herb 15-30 cm tall, stems smooth or weakly 4-ribbed, strigose with white unicellular hairs 0.2-0.3 mm long; leaves decussate, on petioles 0.5-1 mm long, lanceolate, 0.4-1.2 (rarely 2)cm long, margins thickened, serrate with 4-8 (rarely to 14) short teeth, strigose.

Inflorescence bracts alternate, sessile, lanceolate, 2-2.5 mm long, entire; bracteoles membranous, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 0.8-1.2 mm long, entire; flowers 4-merous, on pedicels c. 0.3 mm long, solitary; sepals green, deltoid, 0.5-0.7 mm long, margin thickened; with a prominent basal callus; petals green to red, 2-2.8 mm long; stamens 8; anthers linear-oblong, 1.7-2.1 mm long; styles clavate; stigmas capitate, fimbriate; ovary silver-grey to black, ovoid, 0.8-1 mm long, 8-ribbed, with 2 or 3 oblique calluses between the fibs, glabrous or scabrous.

Fruit silvery-grey, on a pedicel 0.3-0.5 mm long, shape as for the ovary, 1-1.5 mm long.

Published illustration: Orchard (in press) Fl. Aust. 18.

Distribution:  Found in the understorey of open Eucalyptus forest. S.Aust.: FR, EP, NL, MU, SL, KI, SE.   Qld; N.S.W.; Vic.; Tas. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Oct. — Jan.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: A widespread and variable species for which many poorly defined varietal epithets have been proposed. See Orchard (1975) for full synonymy. Easily recognised by its decussate lanceolate leaves, they and the stems being closely and evenly clothed in short white appressed hairs. Not infrequently plants of this species are functionally female by abortion of the petals and stamens.

Author: Not yet available