General Description:

Goodenia is a genus of about 200 species, almost all of which are confined to Australia although a few occur in the islands to the north. The genus gives its name to the Goodeniaceae family which includes several other well known genera including Lechenaultia, Dampiera and Scaevola. With a few exceptions goodenias, generally, are not widely cultivated despite the fact that most are small shrubs or herbs with colourful flowers and well suited to smaller gardens.

Goodenia heterophylla is a low growing or trailing shrub generally less tham 0.5 metres tall. The leaves are linear to oval shaped, up to 40 mm long and 10 mm wide, sometimes with toothed margins. The yellow flowers occur on 25 mm long stalks arising from the leaf axils. The main flowering season is in spring but flowers may also be seen during summer and autumn. Four subspecies are recognised, differing in foliage and floral characteristics:

• Goodenia heterophylla subsp. heterophylla – central ranges of New South Wales and north-eastern Victoria.
• Goodenia heterophylla subsp. eglandulosa – coastal and tableland areas of central eastern New South Wales.
• Goodenia heterophylla subsp. montana – Western Blue Mountains and southern highlands of New South Wales.
• Goodenia heterophylla subsp. teucriifolia – Glass House Mountains area in Queensland.

This is a variable species and some forms have been in cultivation for some time. These have proved to be reliable in a range of soils and climates. The prostrate form seems to have the most horticultural potential as an attractive rockery or container plant. The plant performs best on a semi shaded location.

Propagation is best from cuttings of firm, current season’s growth. Propagation from seed may be successful but seed collection can be difficult as the seed is quickly dispersed from the plants when ripe.