Flora of New Zealand Series

violet

Rhizomatous perennial; aerial stems 0. Lvs all rosulate, with fine hairs above and beneath, (2)-4-8 × (2)-3-7 cm, broadly ovate-cordate, obtuse to subacute, with > 15 crenations each side; stipules linear to lanceolate, dentate, 1-2 cm long; petiole (3)-5-10-(20) cm long, with deflexed hairs. Peduncles erect, glabrous or hairy; bracts linear-acuminate, dentate, 5-10 mm long. Fls 1.5-2.5 mm diam. Sepals narrowly oblong, subacute to obtuse, 4-6 mm long; appendages 1-2 mm long. Petals violet or white or pink, exceeding sepals, the lateral bearded; spur 3-5 mm long, > sepal appendages. Style not geniculate at base, 2.5 mm long; stigma beaked. Capsule globose, hairy, c. 1 cm long. Seeds obovoid, pale brown, 2.5 mm long.

N.: Northland, Auckland, Wellington; S.: Nelson, Canterbury, Southland.

Europe, Asia Minor, N.W. Africa 1878

Roadsides, forest remnants, waste land, plantations, a garden escape.

FL Jul-Oct, FT Jul-Jan-(May).

The fls are strongly sweetly scented.