Flora of the Pilliga Forests: Goodenia cycloptera

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Goodenia cycloptera

Goodenia cycloptera - Serrated Goodenia

Family - Goodeniaceae

Common name - Serrated Goodenia

Flowers - Yellow to pale yellow flowers, 3 erect petals and 2 downward facing petals. 10 to 15mm long. Flowers are on leafy racemes ascending from basal leaves. Pubescent (hairy) on the outside of the flower and in the throat of the flower.

Leaves and stem - Leaves toothed, with basal leaves larger than leaves on ascending stems. Softly hairy.

Habit and habitat - prostrate to ascending herb to 30mm. Sandy soil. There are 17 Goodenia reported to be native to The Pilliga.

Sepals to 3mm. Brown, hairy sections are the back of petals.

Basal leaves of a new plant

Habit varies

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.