About Veronica calycina R.Br.
Veronica calycina, commonly called hairy speedwell, is a trailing perennial herb. It produces stolons that can reach 50 cm (20 in) long and root at the leaf nodes.
Stem Characteristics
Its flowering stems measure between 5–45 cm (2–17.5 in) long, and are covered in soft hairs up to 2 mm (0.079 in) long.
Leaf Arrangement and Texture
Its leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, and are usually hairy. They range in shape from ovate to broadly ovate, and measure 0.7–3 cm (0.28–1.18 in) long and 0.5–2 cm (0–1 in) wide.
Leaf Apex and Base
The leaf apex is either rounded or broadly pointed, while the leaf base is squared or slightly heart-shaped.
Leaf Margins and Petiole
Leaf margins bear uneven, blunt teeth, and each leaf has a petiole 2–20 mm (0.079–0.787 in) long.
Inflorescence Features
Pale blue-purple flowers grow in small racemes, which usually hold up to 10 flowers, though flowers occasionally occur singly.
Flower Structure
Each flower has four wide petals about 6 mm (0.24 in) long, and a full corolla 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long.
Fruiting Calyx Traits
When fruiting, the calyx lobes measure 6.5–8.5 mm (0.26–0.33 in) long and 2.5–5 mm (0.098–0.197 in) wide, and bear small hairs mostly along their margins.
Flowering Period
Flowering occurs during spring and summer.
Distribution Range
This is a widespread species, found in all Australian states and territories except the Northern Territory.
Habitat Preferences
It grows in sheltered forest and shrubland in shady, moist locations, across coasts, mountain ranges, and higher altitudes.
