pincushions
Borya sphaerocephala R.Br.
Borya sphaerocephala is a perennial herb native to southwest Australia, commonly known as pincushions. It grows up to 200 mm tall and produces white flowers from August to October. The species is often found on granite outcrops, in depressions, and seasonally wet areas, thriving in crevices and at the edge of moss mats. It is a resurrection plant, capable of surviving seasonal dehydration. The species was first described by Robert Brown in 1810. A previously published combination, Baumgartenia sphaerocephala, is now considered a synonym.
Description
Borya sphaerocephala is a member of the Boryaceae family and is endemic to Western Australia. It is typically found in rocky and seasonally moist habitats, particularly on granite formations. The plant's ability to survive in dry conditions makes it well adapted to its environment. The species was first formally described by Robert Brown in 1810 in a publication on Australian flora. Later, Kurt Sprengel proposed the name Baumgartenia sphaerocephala, but this is now regarded as a synonym. The plant is part of the Borya genus, which is unique to the region and includes species adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.
Other common names
pincushions
Distribution
Western Australia
Synonyms
Baumgartenia sphaerocephalaBorya cataractae