Pseuderanthemum variabile, commonly known as False Violet, is a distinctive plant in the Acanthaceae family. This species offers unique characteristics that make it an intriguing addition to various settings. This small perennial herb is recognized for its striking appearance, with varying foliage and delicate flowers. Its common name suggests a resemblance to true violets, yet it has unique features that set it apart.
Identifying False Violet
False Violet (Pseuderanthemum variabile) presents a variable appearance, typically growing as a creeping herbaceous perennial up to 30 cm tall. Its leaves, ranging from dark to light green, sometimes display grey or red-purple coloration. These ovate to lanceolate leaves, up to 7 cm long by 4 cm wide, are arranged oppositely on the stems and may have hairs or purple patterning on their undersides.
The flowers appear in shades of mauve, lilac, purple, white, or bluish, measuring 15 to 20 mm across. They are zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, with five petals: two smaller top petals, two perpendicular, and a largest petal opposite, often adorned with purple spots. This floral structure differs from true violets (Viola species), which have five distinct, often unequal petals with a spurred lower petal. Unlike true violets, False Violet’s leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem rather than in a basal rosette, and its growth habit is creeping, forming colonies through rhizomes.
Where False Violet Thrives
False Violet is native to tropical regions, found in eastern New South Wales and Queensland, Australia, extending into Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. It typically flourishes on rainforest or wet eucalyptus forest floors, receiving dappled shade. This adaptable plant can also be found in drier sclerophyll woodlands.
Growing and Caring for False Violet
Cultivating False Violet involves providing conditions that mimic its natural habitat to ensure optimal growth and flowering. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light or semi-shade, making it suitable for understory planting or areas protected from intense sunlight. While it tolerates heavier shade, semi-shade often yields the best results. A warm, humid environment is beneficial for this species.
For soil, False Violet prefers well-draining loamy mixes that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A suitable potting mix includes peat, perlite, and compost. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent soggy conditions. The ideal temperature range is 25°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), tolerating 10°C (50°F) to 35°C (95°F).
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, to promote healthy growth. Pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth; remove dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed. Propagation is straightforward through stem cuttings, rhizome division, or collecting self-sown plantlets. Cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-draining mix in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
False Violet in the Garden and Beyond
False Violet serves various roles in cultivated landscapes due to its attractive characteristics and adaptable nature. It is a desirable ornamental plant, frequently used as a groundcover, feature plant, or gap filler in gardens. Its gradual spread makes it an effective groundcover in shaded areas, and it also performs well in pots.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, False Violet contributes to local ecosystems. It serves as a food source for caterpillars of several butterfly species, including the Australian Leafwing, Varied Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Blue-banded Eggfly, and Blue Argus. While generally valued as a beneficial native species, a specific variety is known to invade orchid nurseries.