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Gonocarpus serpyllifolius
Gonocarpus serpyllifolius, commonly known as alpine or flat raspwort, is a perennial herb in the Haloragaceae family native to Australia. It has a conservation status as vulnerable [1 ].

Description

Gonocarpus serpyllifolius grows erect to a height of 10-25cm The stem is a light green colour and is slender shaped, covered in fine hairs. Leaves are coloured light green to dark green with some yellowish tints. Leaves are 10mm long and 3mm wide, opposite to one another, and in a lanceolate/ovate shape. Leaf margins are typically serrated and toothed with a pointed apex at the tip [2. ] Red flowers with stigmas occur typically 2.5mm long with 8 stamens blooming from September-February in Tasmania [2 ]. A smooth capsule forms ranging from 2-3mm in diameter containing seeds, often dispersed by water, wind and animals. [3 ].

Distribution

Gonocarpus serpyllifolius is typically found in alpine and montane areas of Victoria and Tasmania particularly in the Central Plateau [5, ] [4 ]. A distribution map can be viewed to the right of the showing the records of the species in Australia, primarily in Tasmania and some in Victoria.

Ecology function

There is a lack of information and research to understand fully the role this plant plays within it's ecosystem, therefore future studies of this plant can be considered important to develop this knowledge.

Distinguishing from similar species

There are numerous varieties of Gonocarpus including Gonocarpus tetragynus which looks similar to Gonocarpus serpyllifolius. Gonocarpus tetragynus is instead slightly taller and found in dry, stony regions in forests with leaves that have recurved margins and a pointed apex [5 ] Other species that look similar include Gonocarpus montanus. Gonocarpus montanus is also found in similar environments but is instead shorter in height growing only to 10-15cm and has thicker leaves [6. ]

Reference List

1). Australia, A. of L. (2024) Species: Gonocarpus serpyllifolius (flat raspwort), Gonocarpus serpyllifolius : Flat Raspwort | Atlas of Living Australia. Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2904497 (Accessed: 03 April 2024).

2). Australia, A. of L. (2024) Species: Gonocarpus serpyllifolius (flat raspwort), Gonocarpus serpyllifolius : Flat Raspwort | Atlas of Living Australia. Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2904497#ausTraits (Accessed: 03 April 2024).

3). Brown, K., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2004). Wildflowers of New Zealand. Penguin. (Accessed: 03 April 2024).

4). Gonocarpus serpyllifolius  (2024) Municipalities. Available at: http://understorey-network.org.au/municipalities.html?species=Gonocarpus+serpyllifolius (Accessed: 03 April 2024).

5). University of Tasmania (2019). Gonocarpus serpyllifolius, Key to Tasmanian dicots. Available at: https://www.utas.edu.au/dicotkey/dicotkey/Halorag/sGonocarpus_serpyllifolius.htm (Accessed: 03 April 2024).

6). Vicflora: Gonocarpus montanus (2024) Victoria Flora. Available at: https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/flora/taxon/a856267b-87db-4ca6-b718-b4a48c89f26a (Accessed: 03 April 2024).