Family:
Goodeniaceae
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
Other Names:
First Nations Name(s):
Name Origin:
Goodenia — after the Rev. Dr Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle, botanist.
ovata – Latin for ovate, referring to leaf shape.
Regional Subspecies:
Similar Species:
Very similar to Sticky Goodenia (G. varia).
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in The Rock-Henty-Milbrulong region.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA.
Habitat:
Forest and woodland, sometimes in exposed rocky areas near the sea.
Habit:
Erect upright or prostrate sticky shrub to 2 m high. ‘Varnished’ bright green leaves.
Site Preference:
Protected position. Moist soil in semi-shade. Tolerates drought and moderate frost. Tolerates dry soil, poor drainage, waterlogging to 10 cm deep, and full sun to full shade.
Characteristics:
Very hardy. Fast-growing. Leaves faintly aromatic when crushed. Appears to be unpalatable to livestock.
Flowering:
Bright yellow, throughout year but mainly Oct-Mar.
Seed Collection:
Early Dec to late Jan. Monitor closely as seeds shed quickly.
Propagation:
From cuttings, which root readily. Difficult from fresh seed.
Regeneration:
Suckers readily. Colonises after fire and clearing.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land Protection:
Useful tough, adaptable coloniser for various sites.
Wildlife:
Good habitat. Excellent shelter and food source for small insect-eating birds and native mice. Shelter for lizards and snakes. Rosellas eat fruit.
Ornamental:
Useful for bog gardens, rockeries, and under trees. Prune when young to prevent straggly growth. Accepts hard pruning. Useful for permanently wet soil.
Other:
Cut flowering branches last well in water. Tea made from leaves and twigs thought to have anti- diabetic properties.