Plants of
South Australia
Veronica subtilis
Plantaginaceae
Slender Speedwell
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Adelaide
Arkaroola
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Hawker
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Botanical art

Kath Alcock painting: 1

Prior names

Veronica sp. Narrow-linear leaves (B.G.Briggs 2531)

Veronica "subtilis", as manuscript name

Veronica sp. aff. gracilis R.Br.

Veronica sp. A

Etymology

Veronica possibly named after Saint Veronica, a nun who died in Milan in 1497. Alternatively from the Latin 'vera' and 'icon' meaning true image. This is in reference to the legend of the miraculous imprint of the face of Christ on a headcloth that Saint Veronica offered Christ on his way to crucifixion. Subtilis from Latin meaning slender.

Distribution and status

Found in the lower South-east in South Australia close to the Victorian border, growing in moist sites in swamps, bogs, grassland, grassy forest. Also found in New South Wales and Victoria. Native. Very rare in South Australia. Uncommon in New South Wales. Common in Victoria.
Herbarium region: South Eastern
NRM region: South East
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)

Plant description

Herbs with erect flowering stems and long slender rhizomes, surface runners absent. Rhizomes with long internodes and small scale-like leaves. Flowering stems very slender or almost filiform to 25 mm long. Stem hairs very short papillose. Leaves entire, mostly linear, sessile, narrowed gradually toward apex and base, to 25 mm long and 2 mm wide, the apex acuminate and apiculate, the margins somewhat revolute and thickened, the lateral veins scarcely visible, green or brown when dry, glabrous except for very short antrorse hairs on the upper side at and near the margins. Flower-spike single or paired, at 1–2 nodes of the uppermost part of the stem, with mostly 2–4 mauve or pale blue flowers. Fruits are flat heart-shaped capsules turning from green to brown as it matures. Each capsule contains a few seeds. Seed embryo type is linear under-developed.

Seed collection and propagation

Collect maturing capsules when drying off and turning red-brown with orange-brown seeds inside. Place the capsules in a tray and cover with paper to prevent seeds from popping out and leave to dry for 1 to 2 weeks. Then rub the capsules gently by hand to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate any unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place.