Family: MONTIACEAE

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Origin of Scientific Name

Calandrinia – after Jean Luis Calandrini (1703 – 1758), professor of mathematics and botany at Geneva.

mirabilis – (Latin) wonderful, extraordinary, referring to the spectacular large, multi-coloured flowers.

Description

Calandrinia mirabilis is an annual herb ranging in size from 3 cm diameter to 1.2 m diameter. It produces the largest flower among the Australian species of the genus, possessing large multi-coloured flowers. The majority of the flower has hot pink petals that abruptly change in the lower third to an irregular white band, then an orange red band then yellow at the base.

C. mirabilis has only been recorded in a restricted area in the Gascoyne region near Landor Station; as such, it has been listed as a 'Priority 1' species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The plant has fleshy, succulent-like leaves but is dependent upon good rainfall for germination – in a drought year it is difficult to locate any plants in the wild.

It is not common in cultivation, being only described as a separate species in 2013; however, it has horticultural potential due to its magnificent large and multi-coloured flowers.

Horticultural tips

• In cultivation this plant can produce large numbers of seed. Currently, the seed produced in Kings Park is utilised by the Kings Park Nursery to provide display plants for the Western Australian Botanic Garden.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Calandrinia mirabilis on the floral mound opposite Aspects of Kings Park gallery shop (refer to map).

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.