Family:
Laminaceae
Ajuga australis
Austral Bugle
Other Names: Australian Bugle, Bugle
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Habitat & Site Selection:
Variety of habitats, including sandplains, hillslopes and ridges and riverine plains. Prefers dappled shade or partial sun, but will tolerate full sun. Frost hardy and drought tolerant. Grows in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.
Habit:
Decumbent or erect herb to 50cm high. Basal rosette of hairy leaves, 3-12cm long and 2-5cm wide, often toothed. Flowering stem is leafy, with blue-violet or mauve-pink flowers in leaf axils, from Sep-Nov.
Seed Collection:
Late Dec to Jan.
Propagation:
From cuttings or seed.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Good for erosion control in sandy areas.
First Nations:
Leaves used for a hot infusion to treat sores and boils.
Ornamental:
Widely cultivated carpeting plant, useful in gardens,