Goodeniaceae

Goodenia — after the Rev. Dr Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle, botanist.

ovata – Latin for ovate, referring to leaf shape.

n/a

Erect or prostrate sticky shrub to 2 m high, ‘varnished’ bright green leaves. Bright yellow flowers, mainly Oct-Mar, year-round. Hardy, fast-growing.

Forest and woodland, sometimes exposed rocky areas. Prefers protected positions, moist soil in semi-shade. Tolerates drought, moderate frost, dry soil, poor drainage, waterlogging, and full sun to full shade. Prefers 300 – 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Dec-late Jan, seeds shed quickly. Propagate from cuttings (root readily) or fresh seed (difficult). Regenerates easily by suckering, colonises after fire and clearing.

Low-level windbreak cover. Tough, adaptable coloniser for various sites. Good habitat, shelter, and food source for small birds and animals. Useful for bog gardens, rockeries, under trees. Cut flowering branches last well. Leaves used for tea with potential anti-diabetic properties.