This little ground cover is native to the eastern states of Australia, along with Malaya. It belongs in the Violaceae family which contains 900 species, in 22 genera, of shrubs, herbs and climbers. The components of the plants binomial name have the following meaning; Viola is the Latin word for plants and hederaceae is ivy-like, in reference to the leaves (Hederaceae is the genus name for ivy).

Native violet is native to the New South Wales coast and ranges, as well as in the states of Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia.

• Leaves-soft, oblate to reniform in shape, the margin is toothed, 1-3 cm wide, hairless, with a dark green surface and paler underside, petioles are 2-6 cm long
• Flower-white with purple markings in the centre, petals are 8-10mm long with a strong scent, especially on warm,humid days, flower profusely in spring with spot flowering throughout the year, fruit is a capsule containing small brown seeds
• Habitat-moist forest, but grow anywhere with dappled to full shade and plenty of moisture

I have to say that native violet has to be my favourite ground cover. It isn’t showy and in-your-face, but it is there with its small round leaves that are like a blanket of green when it thrives, with flowers adding contrasting colour when present. It is also great because it is happy in shade and moist soil. Being a ground cover, it helps protect the soil from wind and rain erosion, which is increasingly important in natural environments and more urban settings.