Botanical name

Viola decumbens var. decumbens

Family

Violaceae

Common Name

Wild Violet, Cape Violet
Viola decumbens var. decumbens
Viola decumbens var. decumbens
Viola decumbens var. decumbens
Viola decumbens var. decumbens
Viola decumbens var. decumbens
Viola decumbens var. decumbens

Description

Weak, sprawling shrublet up to 30cm. Leaves linear, thread-like; nodding flowers, blue-mauve, growing in axils, typically violet-shaped, gently sweet-scented especially on a warm spring day.

There are over 500 species worldwide, of which 2 occur in South Africa and only one in this area.

Latin: decumbens = sprawling; referring to the low-growing habit of this species.

Habitat

Lower mountain slopes in damp sandy soil.

Flower Date

July to December