Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Malpighiales Martius
Family
Violaceae
Genus
Viola L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Viola filicaulis Hook.f., Bot. Antarct. Voy. II. (Fl. Nov.-Zel.) Part I, 16 (1852)
Vernacular Name(s):
Forest violet
 Description

Perennial; stems creeping, glabrous, often reddish, 10–30 cm long. Basal and stem lvs all similar, glabrous, (0.5)–1–2–(3) × (0.5)–1–2–(3) cm, broadly ovate-cordate to reniform or suborbicular, obtuse to subacute, with 3–7 distant crenations or blunt teeth each side; stipules ovate, fimbriate to glandular-fimbriate, reddish, 3–4–(6) mm long; fimbriae 1 mm long; petiole glabrous, 1–2–(4) cm long. Peduncles erect, glabrous; bracts linear, acuminate, fimbriate, 4–6 mm long. Fls 1–1.5 cm diam. Sepals narrowly triangular to linear, acute, 5–7 mm long; appendages 0.5 mm long. Petals white with purple veins, > sepals, the lateral bearded; spur short, slightly > sepal appendages. Style geniculate at base, 1.5–2 mm long; stigma subcapitate. Capsule ellipsoid, glabrous, c. 1 cm long. Seeds obovoid, pale brown, 1–1.5 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Endemic)
 Phenology

Flowering: (Sep.)–Nov.–Jan.–(Mar.); Fruiting: (Sep.)–Dec.–Feb.–(May)

 Bibliography
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Barkla J.W.; Courtney, S.P.; Champion, P.D.; Perrie, L.R.; Beadel, S.N.; Ford, K.A.; Breitwieser, I.; Schönberger, I.; Hindmarsh-Walls, R.; Heenan, P.B.; Ladley, K. 2018: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. New Zealand Threat Classification Series. No. 22. [Not Threatened]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Champion, P.D.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Norton, D.A.; Hitchmough, R.A. 2013: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 3. Department of Conservation, Wellington. [Not Threatened]
Hooker, J.D. 1852–1853 ("1853"): The Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus and Terror in the Years 1839–1843, under the command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross. II. Flora Novae-Zelandiae. Part I. Flowering plants. Lovell Reeve, London.