Slender speedwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender speedwell |
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| Veronica gracilis growing in Derrimut, Melbourne. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Veronica
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| Species: |
gracilis
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| Synonyms | |
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Veronica gracilis R.Br.var. gracilis |
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Veronica gracilis is a pretty plant often called slender speedwell. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It has thin branches, leaves that can look different, and small purple or lilac flowers. You can see its flowers in spring and summer.
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What Slender Speedwell Looks Like
Veronica gracilis is a slender plant that grows close to the ground. It can grow from 15 to 60 centimeters (about 6 to 24 inches) tall. It can also spread out up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) wide. This plant spreads using special underground stems called rhizomes.
Its upright stems grow from these rhizomes at ground level. These stems are covered with short, soft hairs. The leaves are narrow and shaped like a spear. They grow in pairs, opposite each other on the stem. Each leaf is about 1 to 3 centimeters long and 1.5 to 9 millimeters wide. They get narrower at the tip.
The leaf stalks, called petioles, are very short, only 1 to 2 millimeters long. The edges of the leaves are usually smooth. Sometimes they have a few sharp teeth. The edges might also be rolled upwards or spread out flat.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of the slender speedwell grow in clusters. These clusters are called racemes. There are usually 1 to 6 cup-shaped flowers in each cluster. They grow where the leaves meet the stem, on the upper parts of the plant. Each flower cluster usually has a stalk, called a peduncle, which is about 15 to 20 millimeters long.
The flower petals are light purple or blue. They often have darker purple lines, like tiny veins. Small leaf-like parts, called bracts, are found near the flowers. They are about 4 to 6 millimeters long. The individual flower stalks, called pedicels, are about 15 millimeters long. The green parts that protect the flower bud, called calyx lobes, are about 7.5 to 8 millimeters long.
After the flowers bloom, shiny seed capsules form. These capsules are shaped like an egg, about 3 to 4 millimeters long and 2 to 3 millimeters wide. They have stiff, fine hairs that curve backwards. The top of the capsule has a small notch. Slender speedwell flowers from September to December in Australia.
How it Got its Name
The plant Veronica gracilis was first officially described in 1810. A botanist named Robert Brown wrote about it. He published his description in a book called Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae et insulae Van-Diemen, exhibens characteres plantarum quas annis 1802-1805.
The second part of its scientific name, (gracilis), is a Latin word. It means "slender" or "thin." This name perfectly describes the plant's delicate appearance.
Where Slender Speedwell Grows
Slender speedwell is a plant that is found all over Australia. In New South Wales, it mostly grows in the northern and southern tablelands. These are areas of high, flat land. In Victoria, you can find it widely across the state.
In South Australia, it is a bit rarer. It grows in only three places along the coast. It is a common plant in the Australian Capital Territory. You can find slender speedwell growing in wet, well-drained soils. It likes grasslands and eucalypt woodlands. It can grow well in full sun or in very shady spots.
