mountain-devil

Lambertia formosa Sm.

Lambertia formosa, commonly known as mountain-devil, is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales, Australia. It was first described in 1798 by James Edward Smith and is the type species of the genus Lambertia. This shrub typically grows in heathland or open forest on sandstone soils, reaching up to 2 m in height. It has a lignotuber, allowing regrowth after bushfires. The plant features stiff, narrow leaves and pink to red flowerheads with seven tubular flowers, blooming in spring and summer. The plant's name comes from its horned, woody follicles, historically used to make small devil-shaped figures.

Description

Lambertia formosa is a multistemmed shrub that thrives in New South Wales. It is characterized by its lignotuber, which supports regrowth following bushfires. The species produces flowerheads composed of seven tubular flowers, which bloom during spring and summer. The plant's distinctive horned follicles are the source of its common name, mountain-devil. These structures have historically been used to create small devil-shaped figures. The plant is adapted to heathland and open forest habitats, particularly on sandstone-based soils.