Boraginaceae

Heliotropium amplexicaule

Common Names: Blue heliotrope

Plant Form: Perennial creeping herb. Size: Up to 30cm tall. Stem: Woody rootstock, hairy stems branching out. Leaves: Alternate along stems, up to 9 cm long, dull green, soft and hairy, taper at both ends. Flowers: Small, tubular, pink to blue with yellow centre, arranged on a coiled spike. Fruit and Seeds: Two dark brown, wrinkled nutlets. Habitat: Pastures, crops, roadsides, disturbed areas, riverbanks. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from other Heliotropium species by tapered leaves and presence of glandular hairs. Impacts: Competes with crop and native species, toxic to livestock in large doses.

Growth habit

Leaves are wavy

Flowers unroll