Vittadinia triloba

Not widely known by common names.

Message of the Flower

Integral Simplicity

The Mother’s Comment

The simplicity that comes from perfect sincerity.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

As soon as all effort disappears from a manifestation, it becomes very simple, with the simplicity of a flower opening, manifesting its beauty and spreading its fragrance without clamour or vehement gesture. And in this simplicity lies the greatest power, the power which is least mixed and least gives rise to harmful reactions… Simplicity, simplicity! How sweet is the purity of Thy Presence!…

The Mother, Prayers and Meditations: February 12, 1913

Sri Aurobindo's answer is always the same: Be simple, be simple, very simple.

And I know what he means: to deny entry to regimenting, organising, prescriptive, judgmental thought—he wants none of all that. What he calls being simple is a joyous spontaneity; in action, in expression, in movement, in life—be simple, be simple, be simple. A joyous spontaneity.

The Mother, Mother's Agenda: September 16, 1961

Colour

Blue, purple, or white.

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Cultivars

No specific cultivars are widely recognized.

Flower Size

Small, often only a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters in diameter.

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

The appearance of petals is actually ray florets; the number can vary.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

No

Leaf Texture

smooth to slightly hairy.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with a hint of gray.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous plants or small shrubs.

Life Cycle

Annual or perennial, depending on the species and growing conditions.

Blooming Period

Late spring through summer.

Climate

Temperate to subtropical.

Water Requirements

Moderate; can tolerate some drought.

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained soils.

Temperature Ranges

Can vary widely, generally frost-sensitive.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Generally resistant but can be susceptible to common garden pests and diseases.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Habitat

Native to Australia; found in grasslands, open forests, and disturbed areas.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; can be part of native grassland restoration projects.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily of ecological and botanical interest.

Endangered Status

Specific status varies by location; some Vittadinia species may be of conservation concern.