Gonocarpus tetragynus
common raspwort
Overview
Gonocarpus tetragynus, common raspwort, is a small, slender perennial herb growing 10-40 cm (4-16 in) tall with wiry, four-angled stems that are erect to weakly spreading. The leaves are small, 3-15 mm (0.1-0.6 in) long, ovate with toothed margins, opposite on the lower stem and becoming alternate above, and often flushed red. Tiny reddish to greenish flowers are carried in slender, branched terminal spikes and are only a few millimetres across. Small dry nut-like fruits follow. It is a widespread groundlayer plant of open eucalypt forest, woodland, grassland, and heath across much of temperate Australia. The plant is inconspicuous and blends into the surrounding vegetation, its main feature the reddish stems and foliage. It tolerates a range of soils, seasonal dryness, and frost, but is easily overlooked and low in stature.
Native Range
Native to much of temperate Australia, including all eastern and southern mainland states and Tasmania. It grows in open forest, woodland, grassland, and heath on a wide range of soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a low groundlayer plant in native grassland, woodland, and heath plantings and in habitat restoration. Used to fill gaps between larger natives and grasses. Suited to informal native gardens and revegetation rather than formal beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to red-tingedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight