Introduction
There are over 500 species of Violas, including violets, pansies and heartsease. Viola Banksii is the more popular cultivated version than the Viola Hederacea (which it was formerly classified as), and is native to Australia along the east coast up to Brisbane, with a more lush, hardier, showier colour than the remaining Hederacea.
They are incredibly popular, due to their ease of growth, their lovely colour, their flexibility, scent and edibility. In Sydney I used them as a handsome ground cover under larger shrubs the entire width of my fence and will probably do the same thing again.
Eating
The flowers make a lovely decoration in salads and desserts.
Freeze them in ice cubes as decorations for mocktails.
Growing
Native violets are a spreading native ground cover with pretty kidney-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple centres.
They’re an ideal lawn substitute under trees and in shady areas, or between pavers, and love sheltered moist places.
For the initial planting use multiple small plants spaced 15cm apart, to cater for spreading (via underground runners), with lots of water when young. Use a liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer.
Adaptable to most soil types as long as it gets sufficient moisture and at least half shade.
Recipes
http://trolleyd.com/blog/cocktail-recipe-native-australian-violet
http://edibleculture.blogspot.com/2015/08/green-salad-with-native-raspberries-and.html
Credits
https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/native-violet.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_banksii
https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/viola-banksii-native-violet/
Appearance
Type: Ground CoverHeight: Low
Leaf Size: Small
Foliage: Evergreen
Permanence: Perennial
Functions
Bush Tucker: YesEdible Flower: Yes
Uses: Salad, Dessert, Edible Flower, Decorative
Fire Retardant: Unknown
Interest: High
Growing
Climate Zone: SubtropicalPlanting Season: Spring, Summer
Harvesting Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Sun/Shade: Shade
Soil: Moist
Frost Tolerant: A Little
Time to Maturity: 1-2yrs
Watering Preference: Moderate