Variable Stinkweed - native (Opercularia varia)

Family: Rubiaceae (Woodruff family).

Native.

Occurrence: Widespread and common.

Identification:

• it is an spreading herb
• the green leaves are narrow, stalkless and paired
• the green flower clusters are stalkless and from the leaf bases.

It can readily be overlooked. The narrow paired stalkless leaves help distinguish it from Raspwort, with which it often grows.

Photo: 1: Fryers Ridge. 2: Kalimna. 3: Smiths Reef.
4: Wonthaggi Heathlands. 5: Fryers Ridge.