blooms small in the damp shaded forest

Size
Height: 5–15 cm
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Not applicable (herb). Photosynthetic.
Habitat
Damp forest, forest margins, stream banks and shaded sites. Prefers moist, well-drained soils with partial to full shade. Often forms small colonies in damp, shaded areas.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in damp forest and shaded areas. Also found on the Chatham Islands.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is the primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Climate change affecting forest habitats.
Population
Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in damp forest throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by ongoing habitat loss.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native herb, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic herb; widespread in damp forests and shaded habitats throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, native violet was used as a green vegetable. The leaves were eaten fresh. The plant was also used medicinally. The flowers were admired and used in garlands. The name kūmara is shared with the sweet potato. This possibly refers to the shape of the leaves. It was a plant of the damp forest. Gathered by those who knew the shaded places. A sweet leaf from the understorey.
Without it, the forest floor is just wet dirt. With it, there is colour. Native violet is a small, creeping herb. It has heart-shaped leaves that are edible. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour. They can be eaten raw in salads. The small, white or purple flowers appear in spring and summer. It grows in damp, shaded forest throughout New Zealand. The flowers are edible. They can be used as a garnish. A plant that decorates its own plate. The leaves are heart-shaped, bright green, and slightly hairy. They are arranged in a basal rosette. Long stalks rise from the centre. The flowers are small and white or purple. They have five petals. They appear in spring and summer. They are followed by small, capsule-like fruits containing the seeds. A quiet life in the shade. Native violet is a plant of the damp forest understorey. It grows in shaded, moist sites. It is often found on the banks of streams or in the shelter of larger plants. It forms small colonies. It never becomes aggressive. A plant that knows its place. To find native violet is to walk the damp forest floor. Look for the heart-shaped leaves. Look for the white or purple flowers. It is a plant of the shade. A small beauty in the dark forest. The leaves are mild. The flowers are sweet. A few leaves can add a gentle flavour to a salad. The flowers can brighten a plate. A small gift from the understorey. In the deep bush, where the light barely reaches and the ground stays wet, the native violet spreads quietly. It does not compete. It does not shout. It just grows, low and slow, under the ferns and between the tree roots. Most people walk right past it. They never see the heart-shaped leaves or the small purple flowers. The violet does not mind. It was not trying to be seen. Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in damp forest throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by ongoing habitat loss. Browsing by introduced possums and deer is also a threat. Climate change affects forest habitats. The shade is shrinking. The violet persists where it can.