Is it a native?

Lippia - introduced (Phyla canescens)

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t Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family).
Native of South America.

Other names. Lippia, Phyla nodiflora var.canescens.

Occurrence: Widespread in the township area, often in nature strips. It is sometimes used as a lawn substitute.

Identification:

At one stage, Lippia was thought to be native, as it was recorded in plant surveys soon after European settlement. However, it is now believed that it was a very early introduction, from ships coming to Australia via South America.

Photos 1: Lippia. Castlemaine Botanic Gardens. 2: Kennedy Street. 3: As a lawn substitute, Rochester Cemetery.


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