Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle laxiflora
Common Name: stinking pennywort
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Araliaceae
Threatened Species Status: Endangered
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Perennial, rhizomatous herb with erect or ascending flowering branches to 15 cm high. Highly odiferous. Rounded leaves with scalloped margins.
Flowers: Flower heads 1-2 cm across, greenish, on long hairy stalks, giving off a strong offensive odour.
Fruit: Woody capsule – dry, indehiscent; 1mm long, black when ripe.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Open grassland and in woodlands and forests.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
General Notes
Excellent groundcover for shaded positions and erosion control on shady banks, however it may be invasive in home gardens and its strong odour also makes it unattractive for most garden settings.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
As collection is tedious propagation is generally by division, which is easy, or from cuttings.
Seed Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Treatment Notes
No treatment required.
Cutting & Division Information
Propagate from cuttings, or by division of rhizomes. Rooted segments may be heeled in to their final positions so long as they are kept well-watered until they have become established.