Citation: Thunb., Diss. Hydrocotyle 2, 5, t. [Fig. 2] (1798).

Synonymy: H. vulgaris sensu J. Black, Fl. S. Aust. 651 (1952), non L.

Common name: Shield pennywort.

Description:
Glabrous perennial with underground stolons and creeping stems rooting at the nodes; leaves petiolate, singly or clustered to 2 or 3 rising from the nodes of the rhizomes; leaf. blades orbicular, 2-6 cm diam., crenate, peltate, attached at the centre to the petiole, with 8-14 veins; petioles 1-25 cm long, usually several times longer than the diameter of the blades.

Peduncles with inflorescence half to almost as long as the petiole; inflorescence a simple or sometimes once or twice forked interrupted spike with 2-7 whorls of few almost sessile flowers subtended by minute lanceolate bracts; petals creamy-yellow.

Fruits flattened laterally, c. 2 mm long, c. 3 mm broad, transversely broad-elliptical with a slightly broad-cuneate base; carpophore absent; styles divergent, erect, much shorter than the width of the mericarps; dorsal and intermediate ribs of mericarps filiform, prominent; lateral ribs inconspicuous.

Distribution:  In freshwater swamps or along streams and rivers, sometimes growing partially submerged. S.Aust.: LE, FR, MU, SL, SE.   Qld; N.S.W.; Vic. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Nov. — April.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available