About Gonocarpus humilis Orchard
Gonocarpus humilis Orchard is a variable, monoecious perennial herb that grows up to 50 centimetres tall. Its growth habit ranges from erect to prostrate or semiprostrate, with stems reaching up to 70 centimetres in length. Stems are ribbed, and are either hairy or rough in texture, with spreading hairs that have warty bases. Flowers are yellow-green, and have four hooded petals and stamens; each of these structures measures 0.8–1.5 mm (0.031–0.059 in) long. Leaves are arranged oppositely in a decussate pattern, with toothed margins. They measure 10–20 mm (0.39–0.79 in) long and 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) wide, have short petioles, and a scabrous surface. The fruit is an oval-shaped silver-grey to purplish nut 1–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) long. The fruit has eight ribs, with two to three hard protrusions between each adjacent pair of ribs. This species is widespread along the eastern coast of Australia, and occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and on Kangaroo Island. It is most commonly found in moist or boggy patches in shady locations. While its habitat varies by location, it is primarily found in coastal regions in most Australian states, with the exception of Tasmania and Victoria, where it occurs from coastal areas through to inland regions. Gonocarpus humilis Orchard is rarely cultivated.
