Contents
Description
Swainsona Formosa, also known as Sturt’s Desert Pea, is a strikingly beautiful and unique flowering plant that is native to Australia. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, and its scientific name is derived from the British botanist Isaac Swainson and the Latin word “formosus,” which means beautiful. The plant has become an iconic symbol of the Australian outback and is known for its bold red and black blooms, which resemble a bird in flight.Despite its popularity and beauty, Swainsona Formosa is considered an endangered species due to habitat destruction and over-harvesting. It is protected by law in Australia, and it is illegal to pick or remove the plant from the wild.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Swainsona |
Appearance
Swainsona Formosa is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to two meters in length. The plant has a sprawling habit and produces an abundance of bright green, feathery leaves that are divided into small leaflets. The flowers are the most striking feature of the plant and are borne in large clusters at the end of long stems. Each flower is about five centimeters in diameter and has a distinctive shape, with two large upper petals that are deep red or maroon in color and three smaller lower petals that are black. The flowers bloom from spring to summer, and the plant produces seed pods after flowering.
Care Guide
Swainsona Formosa is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require a few specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Sturt’s Desert Pea:- Water: Swainsona Formosa prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: Swainsona Formosa prefers sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Place your Sturt’s Desert Pea in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Swainsona Formosa is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Swainsona Formosa is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be vulnerable to fungal infections if it is over-watered or planted in poorly-draining soil. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Root rot: This is caused by over-watering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering.- Powdery mildew: This fungal infection can occur if the plant is grown in humid conditions or if it is over-watered. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid getting water on the leaves.- Aphids: These small insects can infest the plant and cause damage to the leaves and flowers. To control aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Swainsona Formosa is native to Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the Australian outback. Swainsona Formosa is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, both in Australia and around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Swainsona Formosa be grown indoors?
A: While Swainsona Formosa is typically grown outdoors, it can be grown indoors in a sunny location. However, it may not flower as well indoors as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Sturt’s Desert Pea?
A: You can fertilize your Swainsona Formosa once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Swainsona Formosa an invasive species?
A: Swainsona Formosa is not considered an invasive species, but it is an endangered species in its native habitat due to habitat destruction and over-harvesting.
Q: Can I propagate Swainsona Formosa from cuttings?
A: Swainsona Formosa can be propagated from cuttings, but it is easier to grow from seed. If you do propagate from cuttings, ensure that the cuttings are taken from healthy plants and are allowed to root in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the Fabaceae family that are related to Swainsona Formosa:- Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)- Lupinus (Lupine)- Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom)- Medicago (Alfalfa)
References
– “Swainsona formosa.” Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=912- “Swainsona formosa.” PlantNet. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Swainsona~formosa
