Variable Stinkweed

Images ©:
©David Francis CC2.5, Russel Best CC2.5

Opercularia ovata

Spreading woody herb to 30 cm, much-branched at base. Small stalkless glossy oval leaves with margins rolled under. Inconspicuous greenish flowers in the upper leaves and on the tips of the stems. Plant has both male and female flowers.

Details
Flora Type
Herbs
Distinctive Features

Smooth stems < 30 cm long with short glossy leaves < 2 cm long. Smelly fetid leaves when crushed.
Biology

Perennial. Moist well-drained soils in a wide range of habitat including grasslands, woodlands and dry forests.
Native Status
Native
Flowering Time

Jun-Mar
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Gentianales
Family
Rubiaceae
Genus
Opercularia
Species
ovata

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

From the Latin operculum = a lid, a reference to the way the fruit splits as it dries.

Interesting Facts
Similar Species

Similar to Broad Stinkweed O. ovata which is larger.
Native Status
Native