About Veronica gracilis R.Br.
Veronica gracilis (common name slender speedwell) is a slender, spreading perennial herb that grows as a groundcover. It reaches 15–60 cm (5.9–23.6 in) in height and up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in width, spreading via underground rhizomes. Erect stems grow from the rhizome at ground level, and are covered with short, stiff, soft hairs. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, measuring 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) long and 1.5–9 mm (0.059–0.354 in) wide, tapering at the apex, with petioles 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long. Leaf margins are smooth or sometimes bear a few sharp teeth, and leaf edges are either rolled upward or spreading. Racemes grow laterally in leaf axils on the upper section of stems, forming clusters of 1 to 6 cup-shaped flowers, and usually sit on a peduncle 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) long. Flower petals are pale mauve or blue with purple veins. Flower bracts measure 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long, pedicels are 15 mm (0.59 in) long, and calyx lobes are 7.5–8 mm (0.30–0.31 in) long. The shiny, egg-shaped seed capsule is 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide, covered in stiff fine backward-arching hairs, and notched at the apex. This species flowers from September to December. Slender speedwell is a widespread species native to Australia. In New South Wales, it grows mainly on the northern and southern tablelands. In Victoria, it is widespread across the state. In South Australia, it is a rare species that occurs in three coastal fringe localities. In the Australian Capital Territory, it is a common and widespread species. Across all its Australian distribution, it is found growing in wet, well-drained soils, in grassland and eucalypt woodland, in positions ranging from full sun to heavy shade.
