Native violet, Ivy-leaf Violet, Australian violet
Viola hederacea

Family: Violaceae

What it is like

A low creeping plant. It grows 5-8 cm high. It spreads 1-2 m wide. It spreads by runners. These produce roots at the nodes. The leaves are like ivy. They are round to kidney shaped and dark green. They are scalloped along the edge. The flowers are purple and white violets and on long stems. The fruit are egg shaped.

There are about 500 Viola species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate regions. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It needs to grow in light shade. It can stand light frosts. It grows in woodland and dry forest. It grows up to 2100 m altitude in mountains in S Australia. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), China, Hawaii, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, SE Asia, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The flowers are sweet and edible and are used in salads.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Plants are usually grown by separating the plantlets. These develop along creeping stolons. They can be grown from seed. It can be grown by diving the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Nila-pan

Synonyms

Erpetion hederaceum; ? Erpetion reniforme Sweet; ? Viola reniforme; ?