Goodenia varia
Family: Goodeniaceae
What it is like
Goodenia varia is a SHRUB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Coastal limestone cliffs & dunes on sandy soils. Usually found on clay soils.
Australia - Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Sedative.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
The plants extensive root system makes it suitable for soil stabilization.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
Thrives in arid conditions. Requires greenhouse protection in Britain. Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be applied directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers that fail to fully ripen the wood and our longer, wetter winters.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist