Troublesome in gardens

A perennial ground-covering herb widespread in open eucalypt forest and moist shady areas. It is also a weed of lawns, footpaths and cultivation. Thin, hairless stems are often purplish in colour and mostly prostrate. Plants form white, fleshy runners underground rhizomes. Leaves are elongated or narrowly oval in shape with a pointed tip, usually 10–20 mm long, mostly 4–10 mm wide. The undersides are usually purplish in colour. Leaf margins are slightly serrated, and leaves are alternately arranged on the stem. The flowers are mostly white, flushed with lavender or pink. Flowering occurs from spring through to autumn. Fruit are spherical or egg-shaped and fleshy.

Photo: Robert Whyte

Seed collecting and propagation

Can be propagated from seed or division of plants.