Swainsona formosa

Flower name
Swainsona formosa
Scientific name
Swainsona formosa
AliasSturt's Desert Pea, スワインソナ・フォルモーサ, Swainsona formosa, デザート・ピー
Place of origin
Place of floweringCut flowers, flower arrangement, Overseas, Potted flower
Flowering seasonJune, July, August, September, October

What is Swainsona formosa

Swainsona formosa, Sturt's Desert Pea (scientific name: Swainsona formosa) is a prostrate perennial plant in the legume family (Fabaceae) and is endemic to Australia.
It is also known by other names such as Swainsona formosa, Sturt’s Desert Pea, and Sturt’s Pea.
It grows naturally in the desert regions of central inland Australia and is the floral emblem of South Australia.
It spreads along the ground with trailing stems and produces upright flower stalks that bear glossy, bright red, and uniquely shaped flowers. There are also white-flowered varieties.
The base of the banner petal is swollen and black, resembling an "eye", giving the flower an appearance that evokes an alien life form.

The plant grows to a height of 1–4 meters.
Its leaves are pinnately compound, 10–15 cm long, with 15 elliptical leaflets that have entire margins.
From June to October, it produces racemes bearing 2–6 red flowers per inflorescence, with the raised part of the flower being glossy black.

Origin of the Name
The "Sturt" in the flower's name is a dedication to the British explorer Charles Sturt.
"Desert Pea" refers to its classification as a leguminous plant native to desert areas.
The genus name Swainsona honors English botanist and horticulturist Isaac Swainson.
The species name formosa means "splendid" or "beautiful."

Language of Flowers (Hanakotoba)
The flower language is mischievous spirit.

Common name: Sturt’s Desert Pea
Scientific name: Swainsona formosa
Other names: Swainsona formosa, Sturt’s Desert Pea, Sturt’s Pea
Classification: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Fabales, Fabaceae, Swainsona genus
Native region: Australia
Growth type: Prostrate perennial herb (treated as an annual in Japan)
Height: 1–4 m
Leaf shape: Pinnately compound; length: 10–15 cm; number of leaflets: 15; leaflet shape: elliptical; leaf margin: entire
Flowering season: June to October
Inflorescence type: Raceme
Flower length: 7–8 cm
Flower color: Red with a glossy black raised base
Number of flowers per inflorescence: 2–6
Uses: Containers, cut flowers