Gratiola peruviana L.

Common Name and Taxonomy

Gratiola peruviana, commonly called austral brooklime, is a small perennial herb belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to both South America and Australasia.

Plant Height and Flowers

This plant grows 10 to 30 centimetres tall, and produces pink or white tubular flowers that have red-purple stripes on their inner surfaces. After flowering, it forms ovoid capsules that reach up to 7 millimetres in length.

Leaf Characteristics

Its stem-clasping, ovate leaves grow in opposite pairs, and have shallowly toothed margins.

Habitat

It grows near waterbodies, found in shallow water, mud, or dried areas adjacent to water.

South American Distribution

In South America, its native range covers Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina.

Australasian Distribution

In Australasia, it grows in New Zealand, as well as the Australian states of South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Taxonomic Naming Note

In Western Australia, the name Gratiola peruviana has been incorrectly used for the species Gratiola pubescens.